Police: Woman Injured in Lakeville Park Attack
Lakeville police are warning the public after a woman was violently assaulted Saturday morning in a wooded area of East Lake Community Park.
A woman was in the park at 16700 Pilot Knob Road around 11 a.m. when she was approached by a man who said he needed to get help for someone who had fallen, Lakeville police said in a media release.
The victim in her 40s was lured to a secluded, wooded area by the man and violently attacked, police said. She was able to get free and ran from the area to get help. She was then taken to the hospital for her injuries, though police did not provide details on how extensive they were.
Police said the suspect is an unknown-race man who was wearing a black stocking cap and face mask, sunglasses, a black jacket and black leather gloves.
Police are telling the public to be careful in and around the park until the suspect can be apprehended. Additional staffing and extra patrols in the area are planned for the near future. Until then, police share these tips for neighbors or people in the area who regularly visit East Lake Community Park:
• Don’t use the park alone.
• Let a family member know where you’ll be and when you plan on returning home.
• Bring your cell phone with you.
• Report any suspicious activity or behavior immediately by calling 911.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Lakeville police at 952-224-6732.