The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) has issued a crime alert for the Como neighborhood and the University of Minnesota following the sexual assault of 20-year-old woman in the early morning of May 4. The woman was confronted by a stranger inside her house and was then sexually assaulted. She fled out a second-story window and broke her ankle.

By May 8, police were still searching for the suspect, who was described as a white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build, dark brown or black hair, scruffy facial features and a “slight paunch” at his waist.

It was the second sexual assault on or near the U of M’s East Bank campus in two weeks; on April 20, two black males, between 20 and 24 years of age, pulled a U of M student into a third floor bathroom of Pioneer Hall and sexually assaulted her.

The alert comes with safety recommendations from the MPD, which include keeping doors and windows locked; leaving outdoor lights on; putting only a first initial and last name on mailboxes; not leaving tools and ladders out for burglars to use; watching out for neighbors; and calling 911 about suspicious activity.

Finally, the MPD recommends attending a personal safety workshop like the one offered by the MPD and Minneapolis Community Education at Audubon Park, 29th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Buchanan Street, on May 17, 2–4 p.m. The workshop is free. Instructor is Mary Brandl, a black belt and self-defense expert, will address self-defense techniques and how to reduce your chance of becoming a victim. RSVP to 2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Carol Oosterhuis at 612-673-2797.

last revised: May 8, 2008

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