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Police: Teen arrested for sexual assault in East Liberty, may be linked to several others

EAST LIBERTY, Pa. — A 17-year-old was arrested Wednesday night for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman earlier in the day in East Liberty, police said.

According to authorities, the assault happened near the intersection of East Liberty and Negley Run boulevards shortly after 12 a.m. Wednesday.

The woman, 24, told police she was walking to a bus stop when she spotted a young man near a duplex on East Liberty Boulevard. After arriving at the bus stop, the teen confronted her and grabbed her between her legs, she said.

The victim said she screamed and was able to get away from the 17-year-old by running to Collins Avenue.

The suspect was found about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday at an East Liberty home, and was taken into custody, police said.

He was charged with indecent assault and possession of marijuana, and is being held at the Shuman Center.

Police said they believe the same teen is responsible for the assaults of three other women in East Liberty that have occurred since June 26. He has not been charged in those incidents.

Lieutenant Kevin Kraus said, “We strongly believe he is responsible for the three other incidents and possibly additional incidents that have gone unreported. If that is the case, please give us a call.”

According to police records, the 17-year-old was previously arrested in August 2012 for criminal attempted rape and simple assault. He was recently released on probation, which was violated as a result of Wednesday’s arrest, police said.

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