Full Notification

Press Release
 
On June 28, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Cloquet Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Carlton Avenue West for an attempted sexual assault report. 
 
The reporting person told 911 that the victim had flagged them down while passing by. The 69-year-old female victim said a man approached her while walking, brandished some type of weapon, a handgun or replica gun, pulled down his pants, and demanded a sexual act. 
 
After the suspect’s attempt failed, he fled on foot from the scene into the nearby woods and swamp area, leaving behind a bicycle. 
 
Officers from multiple agencies established a perimeter around the area. A K-9 from the Fond du Lac Police Department and the Carlton County Drone Team assisted in the search. 
 
After a two-hour search and witness reports, it is believed that the suspect was able to flee the area before officers arrived. No arrests have been made in this case yet. 
 
The recovered bicycle was later determined to have been stolen earlier from Pinehurst Park. It was processed for DNA or latent evidence that might help identify the perpetrator. 
 
The suspect is described as wearing all black clothing and a ballcap, the mid-20s in age, a thin mustache, skinny build, 5’4-5’5” tall, and Native American. 
 
Officers continue to follow up on leads and information as it is discovered. 
 
We request residents on the travel routes from the Pinehurst Park area to Carlton Avenue West to review any home surveillance video for anyone matching the description above between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and contact our department should you have footage of the suspect. 
 
We do not know if this was a targeted or random incident. We urge the public to be vigilant and call 911 if you notice someone acting suspicious or matches the suspect's description. 
 
This incident is an open and active investigation as investigators are following leads. We will release video or images of the suspect when they are received. No other information is available currently. 

Anyone with information about this event is encouraged to contact the Cloquet Police Department. You can contact us by calling 911, email us at [email protected], message us via private message to our Facebook or Twitter page, or text TIP CLOQUETPD followed by your message to 888777.
 
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Location: 1500 block of Carlton Avenue West, Cloquet, MN. 55720
Case file reference: 22001186
Assisted by Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, Fond du Lac Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and the Carlton County Drone Team.