Police: Duluth firefighter physically assaulted woman after she asked him to leash his dogs

A Duluth firefighter is accused of physically assaulting a woman after she asked him to leash his dogs, according to WDIO-TV, a Hubbard-owned station.

WDIO reported the incident occurred around 8 a.m. Friday on the Traverse Trail. A woman told police she encountered a man riding a bike on the trail with three dogs that were not on leashes.

The woman told police she was physically assaulted after she asked him to leash his dogs. The woman suffered injuries to her face during the incident.

Police say they later made contact with Conrad John Sunde, who is a firefighter with the Duluth Fire Department. WDIO reports Sunde was arrested and issued citations for fifth-degree assault and having a dog off of a leash.

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson issued the following statement Saturday:

"I share the community outrage at this behavior. It’s horrifying and causes the public to question the character of our staff who have been entrusted to keep you safe. This behavior does not represent the best of our city, our community and ourselves as city staff.

"I appreciate the investigative efforts of the Duluth Police Department to quickly identify the suspect and commence the process to engage the justice system.

"Most importantly, I am grateful the victim came forward, shared her experience and is working with police. She did everything right; asked for the dogs to be leashed, and when assaulted, reported the incident immediately. I have reached out to her to apologize on behalf of the city.

"I cannot say more about the employee, the incident or next steps as this is also now a Human Resource matter."