Woman threatened with rape near Maplewood Mall
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A woman was abducted and threatened with rape Sunday near Maplewood Mall, in an attack that is similar to others in Maplewood and North St. Paul, Maplewood police said.
Police Chief Paul Schnell said the latest attack occurred when three women left a bar near the Maplewood Mall.
"One of the women got into her own vehicle, and as she got in the vehicle and started it up, a man jumped in the passenger side seat, and brandished a gun and threatened her," Schnell said.
The woman told police that the assailant demanded she drive to a nearby parking lot, threatened to rape her, but then fled.
Schnell said police are processing some potential evidence from the woman's car and hope to identify a suspect. He said similar incidents were reported in February.
He urged people to be aware of their surroundings and lock their car doors as soon as they get in their vehicle.
"We think it is worthy of a reminder of the importance of kind of doubling down on safety diligence," Schnell said. "Walking out with other people as that opportunity may be available, making sure you lock your vehicle doors as soon as you get in."
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