Police: Two Stranger Rapes in Precinct 5 This Week

The Minneapolis Police Department announced Friday that two stranger rapes had been reported in Precinct 5 this week.

Both incidents occurred around 2 a.m. in public areas and the suspect approached the female victim while she was walking alone, a media release said. Suspect descriptions were limited in both cases. 

The following are more details on both of the incidents:

• June 24 at 2:20 a.m. in the area of Franklin Avenue West and Lyndale Avenue South. Victim was walking down an alley when the suspect approached her, attempted small talk, then dragged her to a grassy area and sexually assaulted her. The victim reported that the suspect had a gun and threatened to kill her. Suspect described as a black male, 5’3”-5’7”, average build. (CCN 13-200046)
• June 26 at 2:07 a.m. in the 2800 block of Stevens Avenue South Victim was walking home alone through the park when she heard someone attempting to get her attention. She attempted to ignore the suspect but she was grabbed and dragged to an area where she was sexually assaulted. Suspect described as black male, medium build. (CCN 13-203949)

In addition, police have offered the following prevention tips:

• 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;
• Trust your instincts and stay alert to your surroundings;
• Carry your car or house keys in your hand when outside;
• If you hear unexpected or suspicious activity outside, look and see if someone needs help or needs you to call 911 for them.

For more crime prevention tips and personal safety tips, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimeprevention/ under Personal Safety Tips and Discover the Keys to Personal Safety (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimeprevention/crime-prevention_docs_keysps).