St. Paul, Minnesota — A 13-year-old girl was rescued by an off-duty police officer after being sexually assaulted on a bridge in St. Paul, according to local authorities. The officer’s quick intervention scared off the attacker, allowing the girl to escape and make it home safely. The suspect, later identified as Eh Doe Soe, 28, of St. Paul, has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The Incident on the Bridge
According to the St. Paul Police Department, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault near Earl Street and York Avenue just before 6:30 p.m. The victim, a 13-year-old girl, told investigators she had been walking home after volleyball practice when a man on a bicycle approached her.
The suspect, later identified as Eh Doe Soe, allegedly asked the girl if she had a boyfriend. When she said no, Soe asked if he could be her boyfriend, to which she again refused. The criminal complaint states that Soe then tried to kiss and touch her, but she pulled away.
When the girl resisted, Soe became aggressive and attempted to hit her, but missed. Moments later, an off-duty officer driving nearby witnessed Soe trying to rip off the girl’s shirt as she attempted to break free.
Officer’s Swift Intervention
According to court documents, the off-duty officer immediately slowed his vehicle and shouted, “Stop that!”, startling the attacker and giving the young girl a chance to run away. Soe quickly got back on his bike and fled the scene.
The officer then checked on the victim, who was visibly shaken and scared. Nearby, he found a bicycle abandoned in a wooded area behind an apartment complex — believed to be the one Soe used to approach the girl.
The brave officer then drove the girl home, where she initially said she didn’t want to report the assault because she felt unsafe in her neighborhood. However, when the officer showed his badge, she changed her mind and agreed to cooperate with police.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the incident, the girl was referred to the Midwest Children’s Resource Center for a medical evaluation. Investigators later reviewed the off-duty officer’s dash camera footage, which provided crucial evidence in identifying the suspect, according to the reports.
On October 2, a patrol officer working on a separate sexual assault case recognized similarities between both incidents. After examining the footage and additional evidence, police confirmed that Soe was the suspect in both assaults.
Authorities say Soe was taken into custody shortly afterward. The criminal complaint also connects him to other sexual offenses in the area, though those investigations remain ongoing.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Eh Doe Soe, 28, now faces second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges — a felony offense under Minnesota law. The charge carries severe penalties, including a potential prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender if convicted.
Authorities continue to investigate whether Soe may be linked to additional sexual assault cases in the area.
What’s your reaction to this heroic rescue? Share your thoughts in the comments — should off-duty officers be recognized more often for their lifesaving actions in everyday situations?
