Deaf and stalked,

He skulked up behind the 34-year-old deaf woman as she left a Northeast Philadelphia Wal-Mart Thursday night, a police source said yesterday.

The assailant dragged her into a wooded area near Byberry and Woodhaven roads and forced her to perform oral sex on him, the source added.

According to Capt. John Darby of the Special Victims Unit, the attack took place about 9:30 p.m. when, the woman said, she was approached from behind and forced into an area behind nearby Shalcross Elementary School.

"She was robbed of about 40 dollars," Darby said.

He said the woman's attacker did not brandish any weapon during the attack.

"It was a strong-arm attack," Darby said.

The woman was treated for her injuries at Episcopal Hospital and released.

Police were able to conduct a preliminary investigation with the woman but declined to comment further on the details of the assault.

"It's always important to just be aware of your surroundings, stay in well-lit areas, make sure that you are observable to others on the street," Darby said.

"Unfortunately though, these things happen every day, and you can take all the necessary precautions and these offenders will still see an opportunity and take it," Darby added.

The offender is described as a white man in his 40s, about 6 feet tall, approximately 220 pounds, with a mustache and a beard, dirty-blonde hair, with tattoos on both arms and his neck. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans.

Tipsters can call 215-685- 3251. *