Dashawn Jawaun Newton, 23 of Burnsville, was charged* today with one count of false imprisonment (intentional restraint), one count of threats of violence (intent to terrorize) and one count of fifth-degree assault, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced.
According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 8 a.m. on Jan. 1, Burnsville officers were called regarding an assault that happened on a park trail, close to Crystal Lake.
The victim, a 74-year-old woman, was walking on the trail when a male, later identified as Newton, had approached her. He asked her several questions about the trail and walking on the nearby lake. She became suspicious and told the man her husband was in the area. The defendant then left and the victim continued walking.
About 10 minutes later, the man returned, approached her from behind and put his hand over her mouth. He told her that he had a knife and not to scream. He then pushed her to the ground. She attempted to scratch his face and eyes. Newton asked the victim if her husband was wearing black clothing. She responded yes. Newton then got up and ran away.
The victim yelled for help. A man who was running on the trail responded. He found the victim on the side of the trail — she looked pale and in shock. She then went home and called 911.
During the investigation, Burnsville investigators viewed surveillance recordings from nearby apartment buildings. Newton was identified on the video, matching the description given by the victim. Officers then obtained a search warrant for an apartment where Newton was thought to be residing. During the search, they found clothing consistent with what the victim had told the investigators.
On Jan. 5, officers were surveilling the apartment and observed him leave in a vehicle. He was then stopped and arrested.
Newton is currently in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Bail was set for $40,000 with conditions ($100,000 without) by Judge Kelly Staples. Newton's next court appearance is scheduled for March 4 at 9 a.m. in Hastings.
County Attorney Keena thanked the Burnsville Police Department for their tenacious efforts in the investigation of the incident.
A summary of the facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaint at Criminal Complaint Search.
*Criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant/suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.