Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a pair of rapes that targeted two teenage girls who got off at the same bus stop in Oxford Circle.
Drean Tabb, 20, was taken into custody Friday, police said. Investigators had released his name and photograph a day before. At that time, police said his last known address was on the 1400 block of Devereaux Avenue.
Tabb is facing two counts of aggravated assault, rape, robbery and strangulation, in addition to a litany of other charges.
For each case, bail was set at 10 percent of $1 million, according to court documents. Records indicate he has yet to post that amount.
Both victims were attacked after getting off the SEPTA Route 14 bus near Bustleton Avenue and Levick Street.
Police said an 18-year-old was walking when Tabb allegedly grabbed her from behind and forced her into an alley on the 1200 block of Elbridge Street. He put her in a chokehold and assaulted her, authorities said.
The rape happened around 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15
In the second incident, which occurred at 11:21 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, a 16-year-old girl exited the bus and was walking on the 6200 block of Roosevelt Boulevard when she was approached from behind, authorities said.
Tabb allegedly pulled her jacket over her face and forced her into an alley. As in the first case, he employed a chokehold during the assault, authorities said.Â
In both instances, he took the victim’s phone, according to police.
Investigators have said they believe the rapes are related based on the descriptions of the suspect, the geographical proximity and modus operandi. ••
