He Answered Door after Midnight to Knife-Wielding Assailant: Fridley Police

A Fridley resident heard pounding on the door about 1 a.m. Wednesday and opened the door to a man with a knife who left him with a facial cut and swelling, according to the Fridley Police Department.

An 18-year-old Arden Hills resident is in custody and charges are expected tomorrow, police said. Two other suspects—who left the scene in the 6200 block of East River Road before the assault began—remain at large despite an overnight perimeter search.

The Police Clips Facebook page reported that law enforcement agencies involved included Fridley, Coon Rapids, Blaine K9, Mounds View K9, Columbia Heightsa and BNSF Railway Police, as well as a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter. Anoka County Emergency Dispatch radio indicated that authorities asked the BNSF railroad to halt train traffic in the area, according to Police Clips.

Fridley police provided this account Wednesday afternoon:

On October 10, 2012 at 0113 Hrs. Fridley Police responded to the 6200 block of E River Rd on a report of a assault that had just occurred inside the residence. Officers responded and located a male victim who had a small cut above his eye and a swollen cheek. The victim told officers that he was inside the residence playing video games with a friend when he heard someone pounding on the front door. When the victim went to answer the door he observed three people standing outside. Once he opened the door one of the males forced his way into the residence. The other two suspects fled the area on foot before ever entering the residence. The male who forced his way inside was armed with a knife and he immediately begin assaulting the victim. The victim called for help and two other people who were inside the residence came to help him out. One of the people called 911 while the other tried to get the suspect off of the victim. Police then arrived on scene and took custody of the male suspect. The suspect is a 18 year old Arden Hills man. Police established a perimeter and conducted a search for the other two suspects who had fled from the residence. Those suspects were not located. The suspect was detained and interviewed by police. There appears to be no relationship between the victim and the suspect in this case. The victim was treated on the scene for his injuries. The knife used in the assault was located at the scene. The male suspect was booked at the Anoka County jail for 1st Degree Burglary and 2nd Degree Assault. At this time the Fridley Police do not believe that this was a random act. The case remains under investigation by the Fridley Police Department.