Homeless man charged in rape in Center City

* Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Arch Street

A homeless man has been arrested and charged with raping a woman as she lay unconscious on a Center City street early Wednesday, cops said.

Police said that shortly before 3 a.m., someone witnessed Warren Fitts, 48, having sex with an unconscious woman on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Arch Street.

The victim, 28, was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital in stable condition, police said. It was unclear why she was unconscious.

Fitts faces charges that include rape, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, sexual assault and related offenses, police said.

Man, 23, slain in double shooting

* Cobbs Creek Parkway near Catharine Street

A double shooting in Cobbs Creek, in front of St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church, killed a 23-year-old man and injured a 21-year-old man Wednesday, police said.

Shots were fired between people in two cars that were traveling on Cobbs Creek Parkway about 3 p.m., police said. The deceased victim was shot nine times and was struck in the chest and arms, said Lt. John Walker of the Southwest Detective Division. The victim was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at 3:33 p.m.

The 21-year-old victim was shot once in his right arm and taken to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, in Darby, police said. He was in stable condition.

Police found 9-millimeter and .45-caliber shell casings on the scene and found a .45-caliber handgun in the car in which the deceased victim was riding.

Sister sees her brother shot dead

* Millick Street near Wharton, West Philadelphia

A would-be robber fatally shot a man, 28, Wednesday night while the victim's sister looked on, police said.

About 9:45 p.m., the victim was walking home when he was approached from behind by a man who announced a robbery and demanded the victim's belongings, said Lt. John Walker, of the Southwest Detective Division.

"His sister hears him screaming outside. She opens the door to the property and she sees her brother with his hands up saying, 'You ain't getting my money,' " Walker said. The gunman fired a single shot at the victim and fled the scene, he said.

The victim's keys and cellphone were found at the scene. Police were unsure if the assailant took any of the man's belongings.

- Morgan Zalot and Phillip Lucas