Eagan police investigating 2 reported assaults at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
EAGAN, Minn. — Police in Eagan are warning the public after two people were attacked at a popular park in broad daylight.
The most recent attack was reported Thursday at 11 a.m., with police saying a woman was sexually assaulted while walking alone on a trail inside Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
A similar incident was reported on Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Police say that the victim was able to get away.
Authorities say they are working on leads in both attacks and don't have enough information about a suspect to release to the public.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is often busy with people, but it never feels crowded inside the nearly 2,000-acre park in the middle of Eagan.
"It's pretty desolate. You're just there among the trees. You pass people periodically, but the further in you get the less people you see," said Jackie Rysan, who walks her dog at Lebanon Hills every weekend.
Eagan police say the department and the Dakota County Sheriff's Office have stepped up their presence in and around the park.
"It's super upsetting that this happened, and I don't want to be afraid in my own community," said Kristen Boeke, a daily Lebanon Hills dog walker.
Boeke says she won't stay at home and live in fear, but she has changed up her routine when coming to the park to stay safe.
"I just stay in the public areas, I don't go deep in the woods, and I walk in groups," said Boeke, which is exactly what police suggest to do, as well as avoid poorly lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings. "We've seen extra patrols out here, [and] we've seen volunteers wearing vests," said Boeke.
Boeke says if any good has come from this, it encourages people to be there for one another.
"Honestly, we've been here two times since this happened, and there's been a lot of sense of community," said Boeke.
Annika Nelson is also stepping up. She started a private group on Facebook called, "Eagan ladies Lebanon hills walking group."
"I think it's just so important to take control. If you let fear take over, you know you won't be able to enjoy your life," said Nelson. "You're always going to be having some fear as a woman. So, you just have to really be taking precautions."
Police recommend anyone using the park's trails to travel with someone else and to pay attention to all surroundings.
WCCO has reached out to police, who tell us there is no update in their investigation. They have not provided a description of a suspect in either incident.
Police say anyone seeing suspicious activity can call 911, the department's tip line at 651-675-5799 or email eaganpd@eaganmn.gov.
