Officer likely to be charged in sexual assault

Authorities are preparing to bring charges against a Philadelphia police officer who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman while on duty last week, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation.

The 27-year-old officer, who the Inquirer is not identifying, works in the West Philadelphia-based 18th Police District and has been on the force for just under four years, city records show.

The police department's public affairs unit has acknowledged that the officer is under investigation by the Internal Affairs bureau and the Special Victims unit for alleged improper conduct while on duty.

The District Attorney's office declined to comment.

The 32-year-old woman, who has not been identified, came into contact with the officer in the early hours of Aug 11, sources said. She told police she was waiting for a bus near 52d and Market streets when the officer drove by and offered to give her a ride home.

The woman later told police that the officer drove her to a nearby park, assaulted her in the back of the patrol car and later dropped her off elsewhere. The woman reported the assault before dawn that day, and was quickly interviewed by investigators.

According to multiple sources with knowledge of the case, DNA evidence has been taken from the woman's clothes. The officer's car was also processed as a possible crime scene.

Contact staff writer Allison Steele at 215-854-2641 or asteele@phillynews.com

Follow the Inquirer at www.Twitter.com/PhillyInquirer and www.Facebook.com/PhillyInquirer