Perham, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A neighbor may have saved a woman’s life during an assault in Perham, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say the call came in Saturday at 10:16 a.m. Deputies and Perham police were sent to a report of an assault in progress.
What deputies say happened
The sheriff’s office says Cyrus Lee Olsen forced his way into an apartment. The apartment belonged to an adult woman, officials said.
A witness reportedly saw Olsen stabbing and hitting the woman inside. The sheriff’s office said the attack continued until a neighbor stepped in.
Officials say the neighbor intervened for the victim. The neighbor also called 911 right away.
The sheriff’s office says the neighbor’s actions likely saved the victim’s life. Investigators have not released the victim’s name.
Victim escapes and gets help
Officials say the victim was badly hurt. She was able to run from the apartment after the neighbor stepped in.
The sheriff’s office says she reached a friend’s place nearby. Perham ambulance crews treated her at the scene, officials said.
Officials say she had multiple stab wounds and other injuries. She was taken to a Perham hospital for care.
Officials say she was later flown for more treatment. The flight was by Life Link air ambulance, according to the release.
The victim’s condition was listed as serious, officials said. No other injuries were reported in the release.
Suspect held pending charges
Officials say Olsen was taken into custody. He remains in jail while the case moves forward.
The sheriff’s office said formal charges were pending. Court records will show the final filed charges, if any.
Charges are allegations. A suspect is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
Public resources
You can find agency information at the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Perham Police Department.
Otter Tail County also posts a public jail in-custody list.
Public case records may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
For background, Minnesota’s first-degree assault law is listed at Minn. Stat. § 609.221.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.