Arrest made after a sexual assault and burglary in the Macalester Groveland neighborhood

An arrest has been made after a sexual assault and burglary in the Macalester Groveland neighborhood earlier this month.

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry says the suspect forced himself into a home, robbed the victim of money, and pulled out a weapon before sexually assaulting her.

Henry says they arrested a man in connection with the incident, and has this message to residents and to those wishing to commit crimes in the city.

"We are here for you, we never gave up on this issue, we are not going to give up and it you come to commit crimes in this city, in this way, we are going to find you and hold you accountable," says Henry.

Deputy Chief of investigations Joshua Lego says one particular officer on scene was able to help the victim, which helped them find the suspect.

"And that made a significant difference," says Lego. "Our officers do care very much and they work hard on the information presented to them. In this particular case, the officer took an extra step, not one that is extraordinary or took special skill, but just a tremendous demonstration of caring in that moment. Which really got us to this point much faster."

Henry credited not only the hard work of many in the department but the community as well.

Folks came out, they told us what they saw," Henry said. "They let us know when they didn't see things which sometimes is just as important."

Charges were expected as soon as Thursday afternoon in Ramsey County.