Peacemaking in St Paul (2008-2009)

Another violent attack along the shores of a popular Twin Cities lake



Authorities are investigating the attack of a runner at a popular Twin Cities lake, and whether it's related to other assaults.

The latest attack happened around 6:30 last night. Maplewood police say a woman was running along the west side of Lake Phalen when a man came up from behind and knocked her to the ground.

The suspect began beating the woman, hitting her in the face and grabbing at her clothes. The suspect was eventually scared off when other people walked towards them. Fortunately, the victim was not seriously injured.

The suspect is described as:

•black male
•approximately 5'11"
•170 lbs
He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

Authorities want to hear from anyone that may have witnessed anything last night.

Police say they do not have any evidence to connect this attack to other recent assaults along Lake Phalen over the course of several months. Still, they have not completely ruled out a connection.

On March 11th, two attackers kicked and punched a 25-year-old woman who had been jogging and stole her iPod. One week earlier a 45-year-old man was attacked while walking his dog.

Last August, a couple and a woman were assaulted by groups of teens with baseball bats. One of the victim's fingers was severed, and she suffered multiple broken bones in her hands and a wrist.

All of these crimes have motivated a couple community leaders. Rev. Howard Dotson and Larry Simpson are actively trying to organize community walk groups. They say it's critical to keeping the community safe.

"I just worry that folks on the East Side are going to get demoralized and they're going to stay inside, and that's the last thing we want to happen," Dotson said.

The police can't do it all, bless their hearts," Simpson said. "Citizens have to take to the streets, but they have to do it in an effective and safe way."

Simpson and Dotson encourage anyone interested in joining a patrol group to attend a meeting, at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month, at the headquarters of the St. Paul Police Department's Eastern District, located at Payne and Minnehaha Ave..

Meantime, police encourage people to be aware of their surroundings and to consider running or walking with a friend.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maplewood Police through the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center at 651-767-0640.