Woman in Recovery After Dec. 13 Stabbing – Stay Street Safe

An unknown suspect attacked a woman walking at the 3100 block of Fremont in an attempted robbery on the evening of Dec. 13.

According to a GoFundMe page for CARAG neighborhood resident Morgan Evenson, she was walking eight blocks home when a man exited a car, chased her and tackled her to the ground.

“Morgan was strong and fought with her assailant- clawing, kicking and fighting for her life,” states the post, which described 14 stab wounds to the face, arm, neck and back.

Nearby resident Seth Viebrock heard a woman screaming. He said he ran outside and yelled: “Stop that,” and the suspect ran down 32nd Street. He and other neighbors applied pressure to the bleeding, wrapped Evenson in a blanket and set pillows behind her back.

“She was concerned about getting blood on my couch,” Viebrock said.

Police said they haven’t made any arrests. Police described the suspect as a man in his early 20s, about 5 feet 7 inches with a light build, wearing an “Army green colored jacket and gray stone washed jeans.”

Before we continue with this story, watch this video on tips on how to stay safe:

Robbery incidents year-to-date in Southwest Minneapolis’ 5th Precinct are down 7.9 percent from 2016, and up 12.6 percent from 2015. Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Neale said the incident does not represent a pattern of activity police are seeing.

“We’re still scratching our heads about it, because it’s just so brazen,” she said, noting the early time of day, shortly before 8:30 p.m., and the level of violence used to get a purse.

Resident Phyllis Wright, who was among the neighbors who ran to help Evenson, said she’s always been a city dweller and feels her neighborhood is largely quiet.

“I’ll tell you, these streets are really dark though,” she said.

“I haven’t really felt unsafe until this happened, and I have been very freaked out, to be honest,” said resident Jordan Schouweiler, who also came outside and called 911. “…I’ve been a lot more cautious about everything, walking to my car, walking out in the area.”

She said better lighting might be an improvement because she couldn’t see the attacker well enough to describe him to police. She’s also interested in becoming more involved with the neighborhood association.

“This could happen anywhere in the city,” said Viebrock, who noted that the suspect arrived in a car. “…I don’t feel any different about the safety of the neighborhood.”

It’s no secret that women are not safe walking alone in the streets, but one thing that many people forget is that transgender women are also victims of rape and abuse.

The GoFundMe page said Evenson was readmitted to the hospital Dec. 19 to monitor her fever and blood pressure. The fundraiser has so far raised more than $15,000 to help cover medical bills.

Viebrock said he’s happy that Evenson is okay. He and Wright are planning a dinner with Evenson and her fiancé, he said.

Anyone with information on the incident can text an anonymous tip to 847411 (TIP411) or call the MPD TIP Line at 612-692-TIPS (8477).

The Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) is offering Safety Lighting Grants up to $500 for neighborhood residents. Grants can cover the purchase and installation of exterior lighting at the front or back of homes.