Police Seek Public's Help In Assault Of 5-Year-Old Girl

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- More than one week since a 5-year-old girl was assaulted at her bus stop, investigators with the St. Paul police sex crimes unit say they need help from the public to solve the case.

Since May 2, Sgt. Jeremiah Mcquay and his fellow investigators have been traveling from door to door in the neighborhood surrounding the scene of the crime.

"We've knocked on all these doors and people have been very helpful," Mcquay said.

The incident happened around 8 a.m. on May 2, on the corner of Park St. and Cook Ave.

Mcquay says finding solid leads has been hard due to the victim's age and the severe trauma she suffered.

"Physically, [the girl] was hit several times in the face," Mcquay said.

Investigators believe a man took the girl from her bus stop as she was waiting alone, took her to another unknown location and assaulted her.

A bus driver found the girl, badly bloodied and naked from the waist down.

Mcquay said it is still unclear if the girl was sexually assaulted but it is a strong possibility.

"She told us it was a older boy, African-American, wearing a blue top and blue pants which we believe were blue jeans," Mcquay said.

However, investigators say it is difficult to rely on the child's description and unclear what exactly an "older boy" means to a little girl.

In the same week, another child was kidnapped and sexually assaulted just miles from the bus stop.

Investigators say they found that 7-year-old girl with the suspect and arrested 47-year-old Mark Meihofer inside the transitional living facility, St. Christopher Place, where he was a resident.

"It's very hard to believe and very uncommon, especially in St. Paul," Mcquay said.

Investigators have been able to rule out Meihofer in the case of the 5-year-old attacked at the bus stop.

Police held public meetings in St. Paul to assure neighbors they are working to solve the cases and keep other similar incidents from happening.

"It is hard when you go home and see your own kids and you put them in that situation," Mcquay said. "These crimes are going to stay with a lot of officers for a long time."

Mcquay says at this point, even a seemingly minor detail from the morning of May 2, or after, could be helpful.

Anyone with any information should call the St. Paul police sex crimes unit at 651-266-5685.