10/03/2026
A suspect has been arrested and is awaiting charges for two incidents that occurred on September 28, 2026, in Ramsey and C**n Rapids.
At about 2:05 P.M. in the City of Ramsey, a teenage female reported an incident. She told officers that a male in a vehicle tried to abduct her while she was walking near Alpine Dr NW and Vicuna St NW. Officers immediately began investigating and searched the area to help keep residents safe.
Later that night, at about 10:25 P.M. in the City of C**n Rapids, a teenage female reported a similar incident. She told officers that a male in a vehicle chased her. She also reported that he sexually assaulted her near Northdale Blvd NW and Marigold St NW.
Law enforcement agencies partnered to investigate both reports. They also looked at whether the two incidents were related. Images captured of the suspected involved vehicle allowed police to get multiple search warrants for license plate reader data. Flock Safety automated license plate readers played a key role in identifying the suspect vehicle.
After more detailed investigative work, officers identified the suspect as Oliver Joseph Butcher, age 20, from Ramsey, MN. He was arrested on October 2, 2026, and has not yet been formally charged.
From the first report, multiple law enforcement agencies worked nonstop to apprehend the suspect. It was a joint effort to minimize public threat and prevent the suspect from reoffending. The suspect is now in custody, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
These cases are being investigated by the Ramsey Police & Fire, C**n Rapids Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory.
The Minnesota State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, Anoka Police Department, Blaine Police Department, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives assisted in these investigations. No additional information is available at this time.
