Arrest in Vadnais Heights for alleged sidewalk sexual assault

A 21-year-old man was arrested Oct. 30 in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 51-year-old woman who was walking on a sidewalk in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, investigators said. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office said the attack occurred just before 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 when a man ran up behind the woman, forced her off the sidewalk into a secluded area, and sexually assaulted her.

According to a criminal complaint and the sheriff’s office, the woman was talking on the phone with a friend when the attacker covered her mouth and told her he had tripped and fallen into her. The complaint says he pushed her to the ground, told her not to scream and strangled her as he assaulted her. She attempted to call for help, yelling to her friend and trying to attract passing cars, but was overpowered. Court documents say the assault lasted about 15 minutes. The woman fought, knocked the attacker’s glasses off and bit his hand, then ran to a nearby home for help. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Deputies and K9 teams searched the area after the incident and the sheriff’s office released information to the public seeking help identifying the suspect. Investigators said the...