Driver who assaulted Minneapolis cyclists wanted in more crimes

Minneapolis police said the same driver who assaulted three bicyclists last week by throwing chunks of concrete at them is wanted for two other assaults in the city.

At least five people have been targeted by the man driving a white truck since July 20, according to police spokesperson John Elder. Three of the victims were injured, including one man on Friday in south Minneapolis who required facial reconstruction surgery, according to his family. One of the victims was driving a car and four of them were riding bicycles.

Police originally said witnesses described the suspect as an African-American man wearing a glove, but Elder now said that witnesses are describing the suspect as a "tanned white male or possibly a Hispanic male" between the ages of 20-28. Police also believe the suspect may work in the construction industry because at least one victim noticed he was wearing a yellow vest.

Elder said the earlier suspect description relied on interviews with victims, and that more witnesses have come forward who give a more accurate description of the suspect.

Witnesses told police that the white truck he was driving, possibly a Ford Bronco, has a broken rear window covered with cardboard or wood. Witnesses said the suspect was driving erratically at the time of the assaults.

Police urge anyone with information about the incidents to call the police department's tip line at 612-692-8477 or send an anonymous tip to 274637 and begin the message with TIP674.

The incidents occurred in the following locations:

• July 20, 6:00 p.m.: Attack on bicyclist at 22nd Ave and 2nd St NE, serious injury
• Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m.: Attack on bicyclist at West River Parkway and Lake Street, serious injury
• Aug. 7, 4:01 p.m.: Attack on car on the 2500 block of 11th Ave S, no injuries
• Aug. 7, 4:20 p.m.: Attack on bicyclist at 41st and Bryant Ave S, minor injury
• Aug. 7, 4:20 p.m.: Attack on bicyclist at 41st and Aldrich Ave S, serious injury