Bryan Novak heals from a cracked jaw

Coon Rapids Police are warning the public to be on the lookout after a string of assaults and robberies that have plagued the city since March.

Police say with each attack, the suspects are becoming more aggressive and violent.

"We're concerned these attacks may escalate in the severity of violence. We don't see any indication that it's going to stop," said Coon Rapids Police Dept. Chief Tim Snell.

Residents are being urged to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while going out for a walk or a bike ride around Hanson and Coon Rapids Boulevards.

Bryan Novak is one of the several victims. He was beaten and attacked while walking in that area Wednesday.

"I ran the six-blocks home and my daughter called police," Novak said.

Novak spent four days in the hospital after suffering a cracked jaw.

"My upper jaw was cracked all the way across. Doctors had to put clamps in there to basically clamp it back together so it heals in place," he said.

Another assault and robbery occured on May 7--two victims who were out on a walk were beaten and robbed.

"For a lack of a better term, I'd say it's an ambush attack. The suspects attack the victims from  behind, knock him or her down, and then punch or kick them while they're on the ground, take their purse or wallet, and then run from the scene," explained Coon Rapids Police Dept. Chief Tim Snell.

The group of males are believed to be in their late teens. Coon Rapids Police say in two incidents, the suspects were described as black males.

Four of the five robberies have occurred within a half-mile of the intersection of Hanson Boulevard and Coon Rapids Boulevard.

A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrests of the suspects responsible for these crimes.

Please contact the Coon Rapids Police Department at (763) 767-6481 with any information.