A vicious beating and suspected rape of a 29-year-old woman late at night near E. Lake Street has left the victim in a coma for more than six weeks, and police are pleading with the public for help finding whoever carried out the attack.
The woman, who is in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center, was found on the ground about 1 a.m. on Sept. 3 in the 2900 block of 12th Avenue S. suffering from "a severe head wound," police said in a statement.
Police have yet to locate any witnesses to the attack, prompting them to announce that a cash reward is possible for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The injuries to the woman were so severe, police spokesman John Elder said Wednesday, that the case has been classified as an assault with a dangerous weapon.
"The amount of damage that was done to her [indicated to police that] it was something other than a fist," Elder said, adding that it's not certain what type of object was used for a weapon.
Officers who arrived at the scene also suspected she had been raped, Elder said, but the victim's unconscious state since she was beaten has made it difficult for investigators to pursue that aspect of the case.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send an anonymous text message to CRIMES (274637) and begin the message with TIP674.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
