Man charged with attempted 2nd-degree murder after stabbing, sexually assaulting woman in Crystal

A man has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and related charges after allegedly stabbing a woman while sexually assaulting her Monday in Crystal. She is, however, expected to recover from the attack.

Cortez Banks, 27, of Brooklyn Park, is charged with attempted intentional second-degree murder, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic abuse while violating an order of protection.

According to a warrant, on Monday, Crystal police responded to a 911 call from a woman screaming "my baby, my baby" from an apartment near 5500 Douglas Drive North. Upon arrival, police found a female victim on a bed with stab wounds. She was unconscious and had no pulse.

Police performed life-saving measures. She was taken to the hospital where she is undergoing treatment and is expected to recover, according to Crystal Police Deputy Chief Brian Hubbard.

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In the apartment, the warrant states an officer found Banks, who they knew from "prior police contacts," nude. They found a "significant amount" of blood in the bedroom and a knife on the bed.

Banks entered the apartment and went into the victim’s bedroom, according to the warrant. She grabbed her 2-year-old child and ran into a relative’s bedroom — who was present in the room — and locked the door. Banks kicked open the door and "ended up on the bed" with the victim. Banks had sex with her while simultaneously stabbing her with a knife, according to the relative’s witness account.

The witness also suffered minor defensive stab wounds and was released from the hospital after a short stay, according to police.

Banks had previously been served an order of protection against the victim and had been arrested before for violating the order.

Officers took him into custody; he had minor stab wounds. He received treatment at North Memorial and was booked into Hennepin County Jail early Tuesday morning.

The Crystal Police Department is expecting to do a follow-up on the case in recognition of upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as an example of when things can "go bad."

Banks had his first appearance Wednesday and his bail was set at $750,000. He has an upcoming hearing on Oct. 5.