Woman reports confrontation

The Cloquet Police Department responded to the 1500 block of Carlton Avenue West Tuesday afternoon, near First Lake, for a report of an attempted sexual assault.

According to a police report, a driver reported being flagged down by a 69-year-old woman who said a man approached her while walking, “brandished some type of weapon, a handgun or replica gun, pulled down his pants, and demanded a sexual act.”

The man fled on foot from the scene into a nearby woods and swamp area, leaving behind a bicycle, the report said.

Officers from multiple agencies established a perimeter around the area. A K-9 dog from the Fond du Lac Police Department and the Carlton County drone team assisted in the search.

After a two-hour search and taking in witness reports, the man wasn’t found and is still at large, police said.

Police said the recovered bicycle had been stolen earlier from Pinehurst Park. It was processed for DNA or fingerprint evidence that might help identify the perpetrator, police said.

The suspect is described as in his mid-20s, wearing all black clothing and a cap, a thin mustache, skinny build, 5’4-5’5” tall, and Native American.

Police are requesting that anyone who lives on the suspected travel route from the Pinehurst Park area to Carlton Avenue West to review any home surveillance video for anyone matching the description above between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and contact police if any footage is found.

Anyone with information should contact the Cloquet Police Department at 911.