Zumbrota police seek knife-brandishing man

Zumbrota police are seeking the public's help in solving what they believe to be a random sexual assault.

The assault reportedly occurred at about 8:40 p.m. Saturday in the city's East Park, near Seventh Street and East Avenue, according to a release. The victim was a 17-year-old girl, police said.

Zumbrota police Chief Gary Selness said the incident involved touching.

"It was not a rape," he said.

Selness said the victim was threatened with a knife. He declined to say whether the teen was injured.

According to the release, the suspect was described as a white male in his mid- to late-20s. He was approximately 6 feet, 5 inches tall with a bald head, no facial hair and an unknown build. The suspect wears gauge-style earrings.

The man was last seen wearing a plain black hooded sweatshirt and ripped blue jeans. No suspects have been identified, Selness said.

In response to the incident, Selness said residents should be mindful of their surroundings and safety when venturing out after dark. He would not say whether extra patrols would be dispatched.

"We do what we can," he said, noting the negative impact of city budget cuts.

Police encouraged anyone with information on the case to call the Zumbrota police department at (507) 732-5219.

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