Police are turning to the public for helping tracking down two men they suspect sexually assaulted and robbed a woman at gunpoint as she left a south Minneapolis bar after closing in what authorities are characterizing as a stranger attack.

Surveillance photos captured fairly clear images of the men hours after the attack behind Mortimer's on June 24 as they attempted to sell their victim's cellphone at a store in the Lake and Lyndale business area.

One of the attackers aimed a gun at her during the attack and robbery, according to a police incident report.

According to police:

The 23-year-old woman was drinking with friends at Mortimer's at Lyndale and Franklin Avenues. The woman's friends left the bar first, and she exited about 2:20 a.m. into the alley.

While in the alley between Lyndale and Garfield Avenues, the two men approached and sexually assaulted her. Police declined to reveal any details about the assault. The woman was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in an ambulance for a sexual assault examination.

Jenni Pinkley, Star Tribune
Authorities are looking for these two men, suspected of sexually assaulting a woman behind Mortimer’s bar in Minneapolis. These surveillance images show them trying to sell her cellphone at a nearby store.

Later that same day, the men went into World of Wireless and tried to sell the woman's cellphone.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Police Sgt. Stot Dunphy at 612-673-2881 or via e-mail at stot.dunphy@minneapolismn.gov.

Another attack about the same time two days later occurred a little more than a mile away, police said.

A woman walking alone shortly after 2 a.m. through a park in the 2800 block of Stevens Avenue S. said she heard someone trying to get her attention, according to police. She attempted to ignore the suspect but was grabbed by a man and dragged along the ground, then sexually assaulted, police added.

The two incidents have prompted police to release a statement Friday reminding people what they can do to remain safe. Those tips include:

• Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in isolated or dark areas.

• Limit alcohol consumption while out.

• If you arrive as a group, leave as a group; don't leave someone behind.

• Ensure everyone is able to get home safely before splitting up.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482