Philly Man Accused Of Stalking, Assaulting Women In Old City

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia say a man was stalking and harassing women in Old City recently and have filed charges against him.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said Steve Ditty, 32, of Philadelphia was charged with three total counts of felony stalking, three counts of harassment, and two counts of simple assault.

Ditty is accused of stalking and harassing women in separate incidents in Old City on Nov. 12, Nov. 14, and Nov. 23.

On Nov. 12, Ditty is alleged to have approached a woman in the area of 9th and South streets and attempted to talk to her. Ditty is also accused of following her as she jogged away, at one point reaching his hand out to her. He stopped following the woman after a bystander yelled at him, in an apparent attempt to intervene.

On Nov. 23rd, the same woman was walking in the area of 3rd and Arch streets when Ditty approached and attempted to talk to her, at one point using detailed language regarding her body. After learning of social media postings from other women describing similar incidents allegedly involving Ditty, the complainant reported the two incidents to Philadelphia Police.

A second victim was allegedly accosted by Ditty on Nov. 14, the DA's office said. Ditty asked to use the victim's phone and was denied. The woman became uncomfortable by language Ditty used, and he refused to leave her alone despite her verbal requests. The DA's office said he also made unwanted physical contact with the woman, and continued to follow her as she walked away.

The DA's office said other similar incidents involving Ditty and other women in the area have been shared via social media and reported to Philadelphia Police.

Ditty’s arrest is a violation of probation, following 10 months of incarceration for a conviction for a similar offense.

The District Attorney’s Office is requesting bail set for $999,999 for each of the three cases to ensure Ditty remains detained while investigations continue.

"Women and all people deserve the freedom and comfort of being able to move about in public spaces without fear for their safety. Unfortunately, so-called street harassment of women and girls is all too common," DAO Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit Supervisor Branwen McNabb said. "The District Attorney’s Office and Philadelphia Police continue to investigate other reported incidents involving Ditty over the past month, and additional charges are possible. If you were a victim of this conduct or know someone who was, we encourage you to report what you know to the Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS."