Woman Attacked In Downtown Mpls. Parking Ramp
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help in finding a man who stabbed a woman in a downtown parking ramp.
The attack happened Thursday just before 4:00 in the McGladrey Plaza parking ramp. That's at the corner of 8th Street and Marquette Avenue.
"It's a bold attack," said Sgt. Steve McCarty of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The 28-year-old woman was walking to her car when she attacked and stabbed in the abdomen.
Police say the description of the attacker is be a clue in the case. Surveillance video shows a white male, 30 to 40 years old with a thin build. He has brown hair and wore glasses -- and was wearing a dark suit, blue shirt and carrying a black bag.
A friend of the victim told WCCO that she works at a downtown law firm. She is listed in satisfactory condition at HCMC, but neither the victim nor her family wanted to talk on camera.
McCarty says the incident appears to be random.
"I don't know if I would go so far as to say nobody's at risk in this situation. I mean, we have to be careful when we enter these parking ramps and these secluded places," said McCarty.
Building management at the ramp put up a detailed message of the incident on every level, shortly after the attack occurred. It says that security guards are available to walk people to and from their vehicles if they are concerned about their safety. Police say it's still not clear what the motive was.
"As far as what was said between the two of them, that's under investigation. As far as she knowing him or him knowing her, that's under investigation also," said McCarty.
McCarty says the incident comes after police have seen a decrease in crime over the past 4 weeks. He still feels the downtown area is a safe place to be.
Police are going through surveillance tapes in an effort to identify the man.
The woman is expected to survive her injuries. She was still hospitalized at Hennepin County Medical Center on Friday morning.
Police do not believe the attacker knew the woman and they don't have a motive.
They're hoping surveillance photos will help find the man.
Nearby Restaurant Owner Says He Talked With Suspect
Kim Gruetzmacher owns the 8th Street Grill, which is right next to the parking ramp where a woman was stabbed. He says they actually had a run in with that man just before the attack. He says the man, who was dressed in a nice suit, was badgering customers and talking about extreme sports.
"He turned to look at me and I said, 'I think it's time to go,' and he said, 'why' and I said, 'because my managers said it's time to go.' Then, he stood up and he put his hand on my arm, and said, 'I want to talk to you outside,'" Gruetzmacher said.
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Gruetzmacher says they went out into the hallway, and the man left. Then a short time later, his daughter who works in the building came in to say that a woman had been stabbed.
Managers at the parking ramp say there are signs posted, letting people know about the attack.
"It's a tragic event. And startling," said a manager at the exit of the ramp.
Another woman, who was leaving the ramp, also expressed her concern.
"I think it's pretty bold and scary that someone gets attacked in the middle of the afternoon," the woman said.
Another young man, who is a valet for a nearby restaurant, said it makes him nervous.
"It's kind of scary working across the street, with the stabbing, and the flash mobs," he said.
