Roseville police announced Monday that they have arrested and charged a man they say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a woman who was leaving her Roseville office last week. Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Pao Yang, who was arrested Friday and now faces felony charges including assault and kidnapping. Prosecutors have requested $2.5 million bail.
What investigators say happened
According to the criminal complaint and statements from Roseville Police, the victim was leaving her workplace on Wednesday evening when a masked man confronted her and displayed a firearm. Investigators say the suspect forced the woman into nearby woods, wrapped tape around her eyes and mouth and zip-tied her hands behind her back.
Police say the suspect threatened to kill her if she struggled, left her temporarily, then returned and transported her to a warehouse where she was raped and held for about eight hours before being released. The woman later made her way to a nearby Holiday gas station, where bystanders alerted police.
Evidence and investigative breakthroughs
Roseville Police Chief Erika Scheider said her department worked "around the clock" to develop leads. Detectives examined business and residential video, license-plate reader data and phone records. A key break came when investigators traced a dress the attacker had forced the victim to wear back to a Target store in Blaine, according to police; Target provided surveillance footage that showed a man leaving the store with the item.
"A crime like this is horrific. It's almost unimaginable, and we can't lose sight of that behind this case there's a victim and a family who are profoundly impacted by what happened," Scheider said. "Our thoughts remain with the victim and we'll continue to do everything we can to support her."
Police also said they located video in which co-workers identified the man seen on the Target footage as an employee who worked as a cleaner at the victim's workplace some nights. Detectives reportedly used license-plate reader data and phone-location information to place the suspect's vehicle and phone in the area around the time of the kidnapping. A subsequent search of the suspect's residence in Isanti turned up items investigators say are connected to the attack, including zip ties, a mask and firearms.
- Suspect: Pao Yang, 41
- Allegations: Kidnapping, sexual assault, felony assault
- Detention status: Arrested Friday; prosecutors requested $2.5 million bail
- Investigation tools: Surveillance video, store footage, license-plate reader data, phone records
Community reaction and next steps
Scheider described the case as uncommon and deeply troubling and emphasized the department's focus on supporting the victim and pursuing accountability. Authorities have not released additional identifying details about the suspect beyond his name and age, and charging documents are expected to be filed as the case moves through the county criminal process.
The arrest follows coordinated investigative steps that involved reviewing camera footage from multiple locations and working with businesses to obtain records. Police said the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Prosecutors' bail request of $2.5 million reflects the severity of the charges and the public-safety concerns prosecutors cited in court filings.
Officials urged anyone with additional information related to the incident or similar suspicious activity to contact Roseville Police. The department said it will continue to assist the victim and provide updates as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim taken | Wednesday evening, leaving office |
| Time held | Approximately eight hours |
| Arrest | Friday (same week) |
| Bail requested | $2.5 million |
Roseville residents concerned about safety are reminded that law enforcement encourages reporting suspicious behavior and that the department offers resources for victims. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors will determine formal charges and next court dates as the case advances.
