Ramsey County Jail Booking Photo
Published: November 11th, 2026.
SAINT PAUL, MN - A 31-year-old man has been charged with felony attempted kidnapping after allegedly following a woman who had exited a bus at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul and placing her in a chokehold before a Metro Transit police officer intervened.
Levi Lucious Beals faces one count of attempted kidnapping with intent to commit great bodily harm or terrorize in connection with the November 7, 2026, incident, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.
According to the complaint, a Metro Transit police officer was driving through the Union Depot bus terminal near Sibley and Wacouta streets at approximately 1:45 a.m. when the officer observed a man assaulting a woman.
The officer reportedly saw the man strangling the woman from behind while leaning against a wall for leverage. The officer ordered the man to stop, and the suspect, later identified as Beals, was taken into custody. Authorities also determined that Beals had an outstanding arrest warrant.
The woman told investigators she had just exited a bus when a man she did not know suddenly grabbed her from behind and placed her in a chokehold. She reported being briefly unable to breathe because of the pressure around her neck.
According to court documents, the woman attempted to fight off the attacker, including trying to bite him, until the officer intervened. Responding officers observed redness on her neck, which was photographed as part of the investigation.
Investigators also recovered surveillance footage that allegedly captured the events leading up to the assault.
According to the complaint, the video showed the woman exiting a bus and briefly waiting near a shelter. Approximately one minute later, Beals exited the same bus and appeared to notice and watch her, although the two had no direct interaction.
After several minutes, the woman walked toward the top of a staircase. Beals allegedly followed her from a distance before gradually approaching from behind.
The complaint states that Beals suddenly wrapped one arm around the woman's neck and used his other arm to restrain her body. As she struggled to escape, he allegedly dragged her several feet toward a wall, where he continued applying pressure to her neck.
Prosecutors allege the assault and restraint continued for approximately 15 seconds before the Metro Transit officer arrived and intervened.
Beals is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.25, subdivision 1(3), with reference to the state's criminal attempt statute, 609.17.
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both, as listed in the criminal complaint.
The charge is an allegation, and Beals is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.