Roseville PD announced the arrest Monday regarding the Sept. 23 kidnapping

By Sommer Wagen

A suspect is in custody and charged with multiple felonies regarding a kidnapping and assault that occurred last Wednesday, the Roseville Police Department announced Monday.

According to the criminal complaint, Pao Yang, 41, of Isanti, Minn. abducted the 27-year-old victim while she was leaving work, a dental office near County Rd. C, west of E. Snelling Service Drive in Roseville. Per the complaint, Yang was wearing a black mask and gloves and was carrying a handgun.

Yang allegedly bound the victim and brought her to multiple locations in her own vehicle, then threatened and sexually assaulted her.

The complaint goes on to say that the victim was held for eight hours before being let go on Wheelock Parkway near the Phalen Golf Course clubhouse. She then walked to a Holiday gas station where bystanders contacted police, then brought to Regions Hospital for medical treatment, per the complaint.

According to police, the victim did not know the suspect, but that the suspect worked as an office cleaner at the dental office where the victim worked.

“A crime like this is horrific. It’s almost unimaginable, and we can’t lose sight of that,” said Roseville Chief of Police Erika Scheider at a press conference Monday. “Behind this case there’s a victim and a family who are profoundly impacted by what happened. Our thoughts remain with the victim and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support her.”

Scheider also noted the rarity of the crime, saying that she hadn’t seen a similar case in nearly 30 years at Roseville PD, and emphasizing Roseville’s usual safety.

Yang has been charged in Ramsey County District Court with six felony counts: two counts of kidnapping, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree aggravated robbery and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. His bail was set at $2.5 million, according to Scheider.

This investigation is ongoing.