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Mar 31, 2009 5:53 pm US/Central
Another Attack Reported At Lake Phalen
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Police were called to the west side of the lake at about 6:30 p.m. Monday. (File)
CBS
Maplewood Police are investigating another attack at Lake Phalen, which has now been the site of as many as six attacks since last August.
Police were called to the west side of the lake at about 6:30 p.m. Monday. A woman who was running north along a path said she was approached from behind and knocked to the ground by a man who then began grabbing at her clothes.
According to Police, the woman was hit in the face multiple times but fought back until other people started approaching the scene, scaring the suspect away.
"She fought off the attacker. She was very brave in doing so," said Maplewood Police Chief David Thomalla.
The victim was not seriously injured, Maplewood Police said.
The suspect was described as a black male standing roughly 5 feet, 11 inches in height and weighing approximately 170 pounds.
On Tuesday, officers went door to door for blocks around Lake Phalen handing out crime alert notices. With five attacks on people walking or jogging around the lake since last July, exercisers are more cautious these days.
"This side of the lake, I look over my shoulder quite frequently. I'm concerned. I'm aware of who's walking around me," said walker Tom Olson.
Police said they're investigating the possibility that this attack is related to the other assaults, but would not confirm that there is a definite connection.
Other recent attacks reported at Lake Phalen include an attack on a woman on Aug. 1, 2008, and then another attack on a couple three days later. On Feb. 27, a man was attacked. And on March 11, a woman was attacked while jogging.
Police say nearly 1 million people visit Lake Phalen every year. They suggested people run with companions during their investigation.
Immediately following the March 11 attack, St. Paul police made their presence felt by increasing patrols around the lake. Maplewood police also added extra patrols.
The violence also prompted a community meeting to form citizens' patrols around the lake.
"I don't want folks to feel this is an unsafe place that the people need to stop using the lake. If we do we've just turned it over to the criminals," said Arlington Presbyterian Church Reverend Howard Dotson.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Maplewood Police via Ramsey County Emergency Communications at (651) 767-0640.
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