Day Care Worker In Critical Condition After Roseville Park Assault
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Roseville Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding the person or people responsible for the violent assault of a 28-year-old Roseville man.
Ismail Jama was found in a drainage pond ditch at Autumn Grove Park in Roseville on Christmas Eve.
Police say they believe he'd been there for two days.
"It was something that was shocking, it was shocking. We could not believe it," said Mohamed Hashi, Jama's brother.
Jama was found semi-conscious by a neighbor visiting the park. Investigators believe he went into the park at night alone on Dec. 22 and was attacked by the tennis courts.
"[He's] very lucky to be alive," said Roseville Police Lt. Lorne Rosand. "The doctor said the cold may have benefited him with the injuries that he had. Had he been able to return to his vehicle, return home, he likely would have died."
Police found Jama's car parked near the park's entrance. They aren't elaborating on his injuries, but they say a weapon was used in the assault.
He is in critical condition, and unable to communicate with family or police.
"Can't talk to him," Hashi said. "I wish I could talk [to him], tell him I love him."
Jama doesn't have a criminal record. He worked full-time at a Minneapolis day-care facility.
"He was someone that, you know, always here for the family," Hashi said.
Roseville Police say they have few leads right now. They are hoping someone will come forward.
"I do know someone knows something about this young man. I do know someone should talk to us so we can find out what happened so we can resolve this -- not only for him but for his family," said Lt. Rosand.
If you have any information about Jama's assault, call Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477.
Any tips reported will remain anonymous.
