Investigators with the Saint Paul Police Department are investigating after three people were assaulted with an apparent stun gun on Saturday, May 12 and Monday, May 14.

They are also warning people who are walking, running or biking in the areas where the assaults occurred to take precautions to keep themselves safe.  

A description of each incident follows.

  • The first assault took place at about 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12 near the intersection of Lexington Parkway and Montana Avenue just north of the Como Park Golf Course. A 61-year-old man was out for a walk when several males approached him on foot and assaulted him with an apparent stun gun. During the assault, the suspects took the victim’s apartment and car keys.
     
  • The second incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 14 on the 1500 block of Mississippi Street on the city’s East Side. A 23-year-old man was riding his bike when the suspects drove a vehicle into the back of his bike, knocking him to the ground. The suspects then used what investigators believe to be a stun gun on the victim, punched him several times and took his cell phone.

  • The third assault occurred at about 9:10 p.m. Monday, May 14 on the 1400 block of Como Avenue, to the west of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

A 23-year-old female was jogging past two male suspects when she was pushed to the ground an assaulted with a stun gun while she was on the ground. The victim was able to scream, causing the suspects to leave the area. Nothing was taken from the victim in this case.

Unfortunately, none of the victims was able to provide investigators with detailed descriptions of the suspects, but in all three cases the people responsible for the assaults were males who were either wearing masks or had hoods pulled tight around their faces.

The Saint Paul Police Department has increased patrols in the areas where the incidents occurred, and investigators are working to locate any video footage that might help identify the suspects.

While investigators point out that the victims in each of these cases did nothing wrong, they are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings when they are out walking, running or biking—especially at night:

  • Walk, run and bike with a companion whenever possible;

  • Try to avoid areas that are not well-lit after dark;

  • Always call 911 if you see something or someone suspicious; and

  • Always trust your intuition.

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call investigators at
651-266-5650.

Crime Alert

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Last Edited: May 17, 2018