A man has been charged in connection with the horrific kidnapping and assault of a woman who was found with severe burns in St. Paul this week.
St. Paul PD says the woman was found in the intersection of Wabasha Street and Fillmore Avenue East at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday “with severe burns on multiple parts of her body.”
The victim told police she had been held against her will by a man later identified as Jabari Quentin Junior, 22, of St. Paul, who has since been arrested and charged with kidnapping and 1st- and 2nd-degree assault.
Per the charges, Junior had brought the woman to Minnesota in late 2024, with the victim saying she was “forced to perform sexual acts for Junior’s profit.”
She was also allegedly subjected to multiple assaults by Junior including on Wednesday when he’s accused of pouring boiling water on her. He then brought her to a bus shelter, called 911, and fled to his apartment where he was later taken into custody by police and SWAT officers.
“I want to commend the work of our officers and those with Metro Transit Police who provided care for this victim of abuse,” said Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry.
“Most importantly, I want to commend the bravery of this young woman who was determined to escape her abuser. Her actions helped us apprehend a man who has displayed hallmark traits of a dangerous predator. We thank the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for pursuing justice in this case and potentially preventing others from being abused or worse.
“I want to remind those in our community who may be suffering that there is a way out. You are not alone.”
If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS.
You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.
