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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Police Increase Patrols After Woman Reports Assault at Elm Creek Park Reserve
The woman told police that an unknown man forced her to the ground and placed a shirt over her mouth before fleeing into the Maple Grove park.
MAPLE GROVE, MN (August 31, 2026) Maple Grove police have increased patrols at Elm Creek Park Reserve while searching for a man accused of forcing a woman to the ground and covering her mouth with a shirt Sunday morning.
The woman called 911 at approximately 8:30 a.m. and reported that she had been assaulted by an unknown man inside the park.
She told responding officers that the man placed a shirt over her mouth before running away.
Multiple law-enforcement agencies searched the surrounding area, but the suspect had not been located when police issued their public advisory.
Description Released by Police
The woman described the man as a heavyset Hispanic man in his 30s.
He was reportedly wearing bright blue shorts and no shirt. He may have been carrying a gray shirt after leaving the area.
The description is based on the victim’s account and should not be used to confront or accuse people who happen to share similar characteristics.
Anyone who believes they have seen the suspect should contact law enforcement and allow officers to investigate.
Additional Patrols Assigned
Police said additional patrols would be present at Elm Creek Park Reserve while the investigation continued.
The regional park contains an extensive network of trails, wooded areas and recreational facilities. Its size can complicate searches when a person leaves the immediate area on foot.
Investigators may review parking-area cameras, interview park employees and visitors and examine footage recorded by residents or businesses near park entrances.
Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was near the area around 8:30 a.m. Sunday and observed a person matching the description.
Safety Guidance for Park Visitors
Authorities advised park users to remain aware of their surroundings, report suspicious activity and consider walking or running with a companion.
That guidance is a temporary precaution and does not transfer responsibility for an assault to victims or other park users.
Visitors should carry a charged telephone when possible, tell someone their intended route and move toward populated areas if they believe they are being followed.
An emergency should be reported through 911. Information that does not require an immediate police response may be provided through Hennepin County’s nonemergency dispatch number at 952-258-5321.
Active Investigation
Police have not announced an arrest or disclosed whether investigators believe the assailant and victim had any previous connection.
The public account describes the attacker as unknown to the woman.
Authorities had not released information about the extent of her injuries. MinneapoliMedia is not identifying the victim.
The investigation remains active. Any eventual arrest would represent an accusation, and a defendant would be presumed innocent unless convicted.
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