Late-Night Assault Near UPenn: Woman Reportedly Attacked and Tackled in Store Incident

A shocking incident caught on video last month shows a man suddenly attacking a woman in a late-night store near the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia police reported on Thursday.

Authorities revealed that the suspect allegedly spat at the woman before launching a physical assault around 11 p.m. on April 22 in University City. This neighborhood, known for its student population and usually regarded as safe, experienced a startling disruption.

The incident reportedly began with a verbal disagreement inside the store, which quickly escalated into violence.

“The argument intensified,” officials stated, “leading the man to spit on the woman before repeatedly punching her in the face. He then fled the scene in an unknown direction.”

The assault took place inside a convenience store located on the 4000 block of Market Street in Philadelphia, involving a male suspect and a female victim, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Police have released surveillance video of the altercation and said they are still searching for the male suspect, who was wearing all black clothing and a hat featuring a logo of the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the footage, both the suspect and the victim had entered the store at the same time, with the man trailing behind the woman. 

As the woman continued walking down a store aisle, the suspect appeared to linger near the entrance and began arguing with her, visibly agitated.

Police released a close-up image of a suspect wanted for a violent physical encounter that left a woman injured in Philadelphia on April 22, 2026. (Philadelphia Police Department)

After the woman responded, video showed the man charging forward and throwing several forceful punches to her head, causing her to slam into store shelves and collapse on the floor.

As the violence erupted, a nearby bystander and an employee tried to confront the two but were ultimately unable to intervene.

A friend who was accompanying the suspect also appeared on camera, attempting to pull the suspect back from the attack.

The pair then fled the scene immediately afterward.

Philadelphia authorities are searching for a man who fled a University City store after punching a woman in the face on April 22, 2026. (Philadelphia Police Department)

Police said the female victim suffered several injuries. She has been connected with victim assistance and advocacy services, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia, citing the police. 

Anyone with information about the man is urged to call 215-686-TIPS or Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183.