Suspect Held In St. Paul Skyway Assault
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A man is now in custody in connection with a brutal attack inside a St. Paul skyway last week.
St. Paul police arrested 28-year-old Michael J. Jackson in connection with the assaults.
Victim Tom Klein, 23, said he was walking with friends through the Bremer Tower skyway when his 59-year-old friend and co-worker jokingly jumped on his back.
A group of men, allegedly including Jackson, approached Klein and his friends. One of them offered to beat up the 59-year-old man, who uses a cane, for jumping on Klein.
Before Klein could explain the situation, one of the suspects punched him so hard in the face that one of his teeth punctured his cheek.
Klein's 59-year-old friend was also attacked, suffering a broken wrist.
"I was actually really mad," Klein said. "I did attempt to go after them, but I second-thought it and decided it's not worth it.'"
It's the latest in a string of recent assaults in downtown St. Paul.
Sergeant Paul Paulos says despite crime like the skyway assault in the headlines, the downtown area is safe.
"People are saying, 'Youth are running wild,' that we're not really doing anything about it," Paulos said. "I'm here to tell you we are."
Still, he wants to remind people no matter where you're traveling, you should always be aware of your surroundings and be free of distraction.
Jackson is in custody at the Ramsey County Jail.
St Paul Police want to remind people if you do at any time feel unsafe downtown you can page their safety hotline at 651-229-1994.
St. Paul police are still investigating the incident.
