St. Paul police are investigating two robberies during which men were attacked with stun guns. Police are warning people and say they may be connected to another stun-gun case this week.
Two of the cases occurred in the area of Como Regional Park and the other in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Police said Thursday they’re increasing patrols, and they urged people who walk, run or bike in the areas of the assaults to take precautions to keep safe.
On Monday about 8:30 p.m., a 23-year-old man was riding his bike in the 1500 block of Mississippi St., which is just off Interstate 35E, when an older green vehicle approached him from behind, said Sgt. Mike Ernster, a St. Paul police spokesman. The driver rammed him and he fell off his bike.
Two males exited the vehicle and punched him several times. When he tried to get up, one used a stun gun on his neck, Ernster said. They continued punching him and stole his iPhone 8 before fleeing in the vehicle.
Paramedics responded and treated the man at the scene.
Police received a report on Wednesday about another incident, which happened Saturday about 9 p.m., just north of the Como Park Golf Course. A 61-year-old man said he was walking in the area of Lexington Parkway and Montana Avenue when he passed a group of four to six people. They suddenly shoved him to the ground, injuring several of his fingers, Ernster said.
People in the group began to kick and punch the man, and one used a stun gun on his torso several times, Ernster said. He also felt one of the other males may have struck him with a blunt object.
They demanded his belongings and took his bag, which contained his keys. The attack ended when a good Samaritan pulled over and the assailants ran away, Ernster said.
The man went to the hospital and received stitches to his forehead and hand, and was found to have a broken finger, according to police.
On Monday at about 9:10 p.m., a woman was jogging in the 1400 block of Como Avenue when she passed two people. She was pushed down and one apparently used a stun gun on her face, police have said. She screamed and the males left; nothing was taken from her.
None of the people attacked were able to provide police with detailed descriptions of the suspects, but in all the cases the suspects were males who were either wearing masks or had hoods pulled tightly around their faces, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (651) 266-5650.
Investigators are looking for any video footage that may help identify the suspects.
Police are suggesting people walk, run and bike with a companion whenever possible; try to avoid areas that are not well-lit after dark, and call 911 if you see something or someone suspicious.