Coon Rapids is shaken by series of attacks

Within the last two months, the area has seen five "blitz attacks." Police are warning residents and adding patrols.

By JIM ADAMS, Star Tribune

Last update: May 14, 2008 - 10:15 AM

Coon Rapids residents in the Hanson and Coon Rapids boulevards area are keeping an eye out for suspicious people in the wake of what police described Tuesday as increasingly violent "blitz attacks" since early March.

"We are very concerned about the escalating violence," said Deputy Chief Tim Snell. "We are stepping up our patrols in the area and getting the word out to the community. We don't want to see anybody else get severely injured. ... It's a rare type of crime in this community."

The most recent assaults a week ago were the worst, sending two men to the hospital, Snell said. Bryan Novak was walking home about 10 p.m. on May 7 when he was grabbed from behind, knocked down and repeatedly kicked by several robbers. He said it happened too fast to see his attackers in the dark, but one appeared to wear a bandana.

They demanded his wallet but then ran off without it, Snell said. He said Novak was hospitalized for four days for a broken jaw and nose.

About half an hour later that same night a man biking in the same area, near Hanson Boulevard and 108th Lane, was attacked and robbed. He was treated for cuts and bruises and released, Snell said.

"It sounds like it was blitz attack, very violent, with the victims trying to protect themselves as best they can and not able to get good views or descriptions," Snell said.

Police issued an alert Monday to businesses and block clubs warning people not to walk or bike alone after dark. They are still pursuing leads and seeking suspects, Snell said.

"I've never been afraid before to be in my community," said Eileen Matson, a neighborhood block club captain living in the area. She said she's a bit concerned when her college-age daughter goes jogging in the evening. She said she sent police alert notices to neighbors, who typically responded: "You've got to be kidding."

Snell said police believe all five robberies are related because of their proximity and similar ambush-style attacks. In all five cases, the victims were hit from behind while walking or biking alone after dark. In one case a witness reported seeing two suspects who looked like older teenagers running from a robbery.

At least two suspects were involved in each robbery or attempt, and one victim thought four to eight people assaulted him. No vehicles or weapons have been seen or threatened, Snell added:

Since March 8, a woman and four men have been assaulted in the area. Four of the attacks have occurred within a half-mile of the intersection of Coon Rapids and Hanson boulevards, Snell said. The other was about a mile away. Only Novak wasn't robbed. The woman lost her purse after being knocked unconscious while getting out of her car in her apartment parking lot on March 24.

Snell said he is not aware that the robbery-assaults are connected to any other crimes.

Matson said the situation hit home when she stopped about 9 p.m. Monday night at a store near Hanson and Coon Rapids boulevards. She saw two boys walking down the road and wondered who they were and if it was safe for her to be out that late.

"I never thought of that before," she said. "I never thought of not being safe in my neighborhood."

Jim Adams • 612-673-7658

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