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Chester County Press

Police are investigating a violent assault in West Grove

01/24/2020 11:15PM ● By Steven Hoffman

The police are looking for the man responsible for a violent physical and sexual assault that took place in the 100 block of Columbine Drive in the development of West Meadows in West Grove on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 22.

According to police, the suspect is a bald, white male with a heavy build who is estimated to be in his mid-fifties. He was wearing a light blue shirt with a dark blue name tag with white piping with the name “Jeff” embroidered on it.

The victim, a female in her early twenties, was alone at the residence during the incident. The victim told police that at approximately 4:44 p.m., she answered her front door and saw the suspect who was dressed as a home contractor. The suspect was let into the residence under the guise of being there to complete recent home repairs. The victim was on the phone with a relative at the time.

Once the man was inside the home, he physically assaulted the victim and she lost consciousness. The relative on the phone heard the victim screaming and called 911.  Within a minute of being dispatched, police arrived on scene and located the victim inside the residence.  The victim was treated and transported to Chester County Hospital.  

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was physically and sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. Police are actively investigating the incident with the assistance from Chester County law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office.  

The police urge the public to contact the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department if they reside in the development of West Meadows and either observed unusual activity or are in possession of home video surveillance.   

A day after the incident, West Grove mayor Stephen Black issued the following statement:

Dear West Grove Community,

Regarding the tragic incident that occurred yesterday in our community, we understand your concerns and wish for more information on what occurred. That information will be released by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department when available and appropriate. Please keep in mind that this event has occurred with one of our neighbors. I am asking everyone to be extraordinarily mindful of posting suppositions, conjectures and rumors. This investigation will take time, and our Police force is using every resource available to work the case as thorough and diligently as possible. Most importantly, I am asking that you please take into consideration the family’s wishes of privacy at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. Thank you

If anyone has any information or video surveillance from the area between 4:15 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. please contact the SCCRPD at 610-268-2907.

Sincerely Mayor Stephen Black