Suspect in Forest Lake sexual assault released
A 19-year-old man who was arrested earlier this week for allegedly sexually assaulting a Forest Lake High School student has been released from police custody.
The man had been held on suspicion of first degree sexual assault for the incident, which occurred in a school entryway after classes ended Wednesday, police said.
"At this point, the County Attorney's office does not see him as a threat to the public," Washington County Public Information Officer Yvonne Linnert said Friday.
The man was released by Washington County pending further investigation by the Forest Lake Police Department, Linnert said.
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Police said a female student let the suspect into a locked door, and that he assaulted her just inside the door.
Staff members at the school apparently saw the incident and the suspect fled. He was arrested Thursday after fleeing the school on foot.
Police sergeant Greg Weiss on Thursday said the victim and suspect were acquaintances. He also said that the school does seem to have been properly secured, and that staff seem to have intervened appropriately.
Authorities are still investigating details of the incident.