Woman Assaulted At Maple Grove Park, Police Seek Suspect

MAPLE GROVE, MN — Maple Grove Police are asking for the public's help identifying a man they say assaulted a woman inside Elm Creek Park Reserve Sunday morning.

Officers responded to a 911 call around 8:30 a.m. after a woman reported she had been assaulted in the park. She told police she was forced to the ground by an unknown man who placed a shirt over her mouth before running away on foot.

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Police describe the suspect as a heavy set Hispanic man in his 30s. He was wearing bright blue shorts and no shirt at the time of the assault, and he may have been carrying a gray shirt.

Officers from multiple agencies searched the area extensively but did not locate the suspect. The investigation remains active.

Maple Grove Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or who has additional information, to contact them through Hennepin County Dispatch by calling 911 or the department's non emergency number at 952-258-5321.

The Three Rivers Public Safety Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Dayton Police Department, Champlin Police Department and the Hennepin County Crime Lab assisted with the response and the ongoing investigation.

Maple Grove Police said they remain committed to the safety of residents and park visitors. The department is asking park users to stay aware of their surroundings, report suspicious activity immediately to 911, and consider walking or running with a companion when possible. Additional patrols are being conducted in the area as the investigation continues.