Vadnais Heights, MN – A 21-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman during her evening walk. Tristen Alan Leritz allegedly attacked the 51-year-old victim on October 28 while she was talking on the phone.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Leritz approached the woman from behind, tackled her to the ground, and told her not to scream. The victim called for help and fought back, throwing his glasses into the grass.
The affidavit states that the victim struggled, believing she would die as Leritz pressed his forearm against her neck. He proceeded to assault her for 15 to 30 minutes before casually walking away.
After the attack, the victim sought help from a nearby home. Deputies observed injuries, including a red abrasion on her throat and cuts on her face.
DNA analysis from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension linked Leritz to the crime. Family members of Leritz notified law enforcement after hearing about the glasses lost during the assault.
Leritz initially denied the allegations but later admitted to assaulting the victim. He stated he had been riding his bicycle when he saw her walking alone and surrendered to his urges, saying, “it escalated from there.”
The suspect, who is 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 248 pounds, has a previous conviction for vehicle theft and a pending robbery charge. He is being held in the Ramsey County Jail with a court date scheduled for November 25.
