Authorities arrested 21-year-old Tristen Alan Leritz after his own family reportedly turned him in, per People. Leritz was taken into custody on Thursday, October 30, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 51-year-old woman in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.
This arrest hinges entirely on the victim’s quick thinking and bravery during the attack. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office detailed the incident, explaining that the alleged assault took place the previous Tuesday while the victim was simply out for a walk.
According to police, Leritz allegedly snuck up on the woman. He then reportedly dragged her off the sidewalk and into a more secluded area where the assault took place. Court documents reveal the victim was actually on the phone with a friend when the attack began. That friend instantly heard the victim yell out for them to call 911.
Man identified by his glasses
The criminal complaint paints a truly terrifying picture of the ordeal, detailing that Leritz allegedly covered the victim’s mouth and strangled her during the 15-minute assault next to the sidewalk. The fact that the assault happened in what sounds like a relatively public spot is chilling. Investigators noted in the complaint that “the suspect did not seem to care that he was assaulting her in public.”
But here’s where the victim’s incredible strength became the central focus of the investigation. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the woman fought back hard against her attacker. She bit his hand, and crucially, she managed to knock his eyeglasses right off his face. That tiny piece of evidence, the missing glasses, proved to be the key that unlocked the entire case.
Investigators quickly realized the importance of the glasses, and that information made its way to the public. It was this specific detail that tipped off Leritz’s family. Ramsey County Undersheriff Jeff Ramacher confirmed that after receiving the information about the missing glasses, Leritz’s family contacted the police and reported him. That is absolutely wild that a small detail like a pair of spectacles led directly to the suspect’s own family turning him over to law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Leritz allegedly admitted to the assault. But the explanation he provided to investigators is truly sickening. Leritz allegedly told police he saw the woman walking and then decided, “F*** it, since I’m a virgin” before attacking her. This alleged motive is just shocking. It shows a complete disregard for human life and dignity.
