Charges: Man attacked, raped woman who was out on evening walk in Vadnais Heights

A man charged with raping a woman who was taking a walk earlier this week in Vadnais Heights stalked his victim for several minutes before assaulting her, court documents state.

Tristen Alan Leritz, 21, of White Bear Township, faces one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with the attack on Tuesday evening.

According to a criminal complaint, the victim reported walking on Centerville Road while talking to a friend on the phone through her headphones when a man came up to her from behind and pushed her onto the ground. During the struggle, the assailant, who the victim described as much larger than her, covered her mouth with his hand and told her not to scream.

The victim said she yelled out to the phone to try and get her friend to call 911 and tried to get the attention of cars driving past, but no one stopped. She said the attacker overpowered her, restricted her breathing and raped her, according to the complaint.

RELATED: Authorities searching for suspect in Vadnais Heights sexual assault

A sexual assault examination found a DNA profile that matched with Leritz. The public also sent in tips identifying him as the suspect, and he was arrested on Thursday at his home in White Bear Township.

In a Mirandized interview with police, Leritz admitted to sexually assaulting the woman. He described spotting her walking on the sidewalk, watching her for about five minutes and riding past her on his bike so he could ambush her. He said he decided to rape the victim “since I’m a virgin.”

Court records show Leritz was convicted of theft of a motor vehicle last year and has a pending third-degree burglary charge.

Leritz’s first court appearance is scheduled for Monday. He remains in custody at the Ramsey County Jail on $500,000 bail.
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