Twin Cities Police Investigate Carjacking, Kidnapping

ST. PAUL (AP) - Police are investigating whether a carjacking in North St. Paul and a kidnapping in Maplewood are tied to the same suspect.

Authorities say a man jumped into a woman's car in North St. Paul Sunday about 8 p.m., held a gun to her head and told her to drive. She was able to escape from the car a short time later, but the man drove away with her vehicle.

About 15 minutes later, a man armed with a handgun jumped into a car driven by a woman leaving a Maplewood fitness club. Police say he told the woman he planned to rape her, but eventually got nervous and asked to be dropped off.

The Maplewood and North St. Paul police are coordinating an investigation.