4:56 PM | Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The Brooklyn Park Police Department is hunting for a single suspect believed to be responsible for two separate armed home invasions and sexual assaults within the last week.
Police announced they have identified a person of interest in the case but are intensifying their search alongside state and federal partners.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley asked that the community keeps vigilant and locks their doors.
“I am strongly encouraging the city of Brooklyn Park, our community, to come together — individuals like this cannot thrive in our community without somebody having known who they are or what they’re up to,” Bruley said. “I’m asking for community members to reach out to each other, to try to gather leads and potential suspects, and call the Brooklyn Park Police Department with that information.”
Investigators believe the same individual is responsible for two sexual assaults — a July 17 home invasion and sexual assault, and a Wednesday morning sexual assault in the 7500 block of Jersey Avenue North.
In both cases, the doors to the residences were likely left unlocked.
Likewise, the suspect, who had his face covered and was armed, gained easy entry before sexually assaulting the victims.
To combat the threat, Brooklyn Park Police have formed a highly specialized taskforce.
Bruley noted that while it is uncommon for local, state, and federal agencies to team up and activate this rapidly, the collaboration has already yielded major progress.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and federal law enforcement officers are all involved in the manhunt.
Bruley vowed that the intensive multi-agency operation will not slow down until the perpetrator is in custody.
“We will exhaust every possible lead that we can develop,” Bruley said, adding that the taskforce has been exceptionally helpful and will remain active until the case is resolved.
Updated Suspect Description
Authorities are asking the public to remain highly vigilant for a suspect fitting the following description:
Physical Appearance: Light-skinned Black male, standing between 5’2” and 5’9” tall.
Hairstyle: Tight, medium-length dreadlocks.
Distinctive Features: Wore glasses and covered his face (previously described as a balaclava/ski mask) during both crimes.
Clothing: Seen wearing a black hoodie and grey sweatpants.
With the suspect still at large, Bruley made a plea for immediate neighborhood solidarity and household security.
“I’m asking for community members to reach out to each other … I’m also urging our community to protect ourselves,” Bruley said. “Lock your doors.”
Police are urging all residents, particularly in the Brooklyn Park area, to implement the following strict safety protocols: lock all doors and windows, review home surveillance for any individuals matching the suspect’s description lurking around properties over the past week, and report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information, security footage, or potential leads is urged to call 911 and ask for Brooklyn Park police, or contact the department directly at 763-493-8222.
Related: Crime Roundup: Brooklyn Park Police Seek Man in Home Invasion Assault Case