BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Brooklyn Park police have arrested a suspect in the reported sexual assault of a 6-year-old boy inside a portable toilet at Willowstone Park earlier this week.
Deputy Police Chief Mark Bruley says a "very specific" tip from a member of the public led investigators to identify and then arrest the 18-year-old man at his home "in close proximity" of the park around 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Bruley said the suspect was uncooperative during his arrest and resisted officers. The man was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on probable cause first-degree criminal sexual conduct and resisting arrest. Formal charges in the case are expected on Tuesday, June 1.
Police say they received a report of the alleged incident Wednesday at 9 p.m. after a relative saw the child coming out of a portable bathroom at the park, followed by an unknown man they believed to be 20 to 25 years old. Investigators say the child later described being a victim of criminal sexual conduct inside the portable bathroom.
Bruley said the tipster told police that the suspect was at the park at the time of the assault. The 18-year-old man has a minor criminal record that includes a driving offense and charges of theft, but "we have been made aware of accusations against this individual for previous offenses involving criminal sexual crimes," Bruley shared.
The assistant chief says while there is currently no solid evidence of additional crimes committed by the suspect, he is urging parents whose children frequent Willowstone Park to talk to them about the incident, to ensure they haven't been victimized previously.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information on the assault or the suspect to call 763-498-8222.