Dakota County Park Assault Reports Unfounded, Authorities Update
Investigation is underway after two reported assaults on Lebanon Hills Regional Park trails, Dakota County authorities said this week.
Eagan police and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office said a female victim was sexually assaulted around 11 a.m. on Nov. 7 while she was walking alone along the park's trail system.
The incident marks the second reported attack on Lebanon Hills trails in recent months. On Sept. 7, a similar incident occurred in the same area at approximately 4:30 p.m. In that case, the victim was able to escape the assailant.
Authorities currently have limited suspect information and have heightened patrols in the park and surrounding areas as they actively pursue leads in both cases. Law enforcement is urging the public to stay vigilant, consider traveling with a companion while using the trail system and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Police say there is no evidence at this time that links the two assaults or that they were committed by the same person.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact Eagan Police at their tip line, 651-675-5799, or via email at eaganpd@eaganmn.gov.
UPDATE: In an updated press release on November 19th, police say that following an extensive investigation, it was determined the sexual assault never occurred. The reporting party later admitted that she made a false claim and will be charged with filing a false police report.
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