Police looking for suspects in five Coon Rapids beatings

Police in Coon Rapids today warned residents to be extremely vigilant and to avoid walking or biking  alone after dark in the wake of a series of brutal attacks and robberies that have occurred in the city over the past two months.

Since March 8, five people -- one woman and four men -- have been approached by at least two men in ambush-style attacks. The victims were assaulted and had their purse or wallet stolen. Four of the attacks have occurred within a half-mile of the intersection of Coon Rapids Blvd. and Hanson Blvd., said Deputy Chief Tim Snell.

In the latest attack Wednesday, a man walking on Hanson Blvd. near 108th St. around 10:30 p.m. was taken down by two men who approached him from behind, hit and kicked him, and ran off without taking his wallet. The victim suffered broken bones in his face and was taken to the hospital. A second man also was attacked Wednesday night and needed medical treatment for cuts, Snell said.

"The beatings are getting more severe as we go along," Snell said. "We are concerned and that's one of the reasons we want to warn citizens."

Police issued an alert Monday warning people not to walk or bike alone after dark. Police also advised heading to this weekend's Springfest at Epiphany Church to travel in groups and be alert.

Snell said police believe all five  robberies are related and the assailants use a similar method when attacking their victims. In all five cases, the victims were walking or biking alone and hit from behind. Consequently, Snell said the victims were not able to give police good descriptions of their attackers.  In most cases there were no known witnesses.

Snell said police are looking for at least two men in their late teens to early 20s seen in running from one case by a passerby

The Coon Rapids Crime Prevention Association is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible, Snell said.

Anybody with information is asked to call Coon Rapids Police at 763-767-6481 during business hours, or the Anoka County Sheriff at 763-427-1212 after hours and on weekends.