'Stay alert,' police tell residents in areas where assaults took place

North Minneapolis residents cautioned to be careful as search continues for serial rapist.

Star Tribune

Last update: September 4, 2008 - 11:33 PM

Residents in the Willard Hay and Jordan neighborhoods in north Minneapolis who venture out after dark are being encouraged to use the buddy system, walk or jog only in well-lit areas and keep alert to their surroundings.

This alert comes after a man attacked and sexually assaulted up to seven people in the two neighborhoods between Aug. 14 and 25. While there have been no further attacks since, Minneapolis police warned residents not to let their guard down as no one has been arrested.

Police say they have a vague description of the suspect: a black man of medium build, medium height and medium complexion, with cornrows and a thin, scruffy beard.

According to police, the man approached victims at random and used a knife, gun or physical force to threaten them. The attacks happened generally between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in an area bounded by Thomas and Fremont Avenues N. and 25th and 32nd Avenues N.

Anybody with information is asked to call the Minneapolis Police sex crimes unit at 612-673-2941.

TIM HARLOW

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