Man charged with sexually assaulting two women in downtown Minneapolis parking ramp

A homeless man was charged Friday with sexually assaulting two women in a downtown Minneapolis parking lot.

Peijan Hodges, 22, was arrested two days after he allegedly attacked the women Tuesday in Ramp C, at 318 2nd Av. N. Both victims were able to identify him, police said.

Hodges is charged with two counts of first-degree and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The prosecution is asking for a $750,000 bail. His first court appearance is Monday.

According to the charges, one victim left her job about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and walked to her car on level 7 of the ramp. As she sought to close the door from inside her car, Hodges held it open, according to the complaint. He took her car keys and pushed her into the back seat.

She pleaded with him, offering him money and her wedding ring. He stated that he wanted only "one thing," the complaint said.

Hodges then sexually assaulted her, calling her names as he slapped her face. During the assault, she managed to press the car horn, and he responded by threatening to punch her if she didn't stop struggling, the complaint said.

Two people walking by the car saw the attack and called 911. As Hodges ran away, the woman said, "Please stop him!" Another person chased him down, but he got away.

He was arrested after an officer spotted him near 4th Street S. and Nicollet Mall Thursday morning.

The victim identified Hodges, who was wearing the same clothing he'd worn on the day of the attack. The other victim, who was allegedly assaulted by Hodges 2½ hours before the other victim, also identified him, the complaint said. That assault was interrupted by several passers-by, prompting him to run away.

The state-owned and city-managed ABC Ramps near Target Center are contracted to ABM Parking Services. The company had three ramp security vehicles patrolling Ramp C, along with undercover patrols.

ABM Security Manager Morrie Anderson said anyone who feels threatened or sees something suspicious while in the ramp should hit one of the red emergency buttons at various locations within the complex.

Pushing the button activates voice communication and a video feed to security. ABM also has escorts available.