Kidnapping charge brought against La Crosse man accused of attacking woman on trail

A high cash bond has been set for the La Crosse man accused of attacking a woman who was walking on a nature trail this week.

Joseph Grzegorek is being charged with kidnapping and attempted sexual assault for the incident that happened Monday near Gundersen on South Avenue.  Those charges could lead to 60 years in prison, if the 25-year-old Grzegorek is convicted on both counts.

The victim has told police Grzegorek began to run after her, and then grabbed her, knocking her to the ground. 

The woman says her attacker started dragging her toward the river when she yelled for help, and he left the area.  Grzegorek admits to running into the woman on the trail, and claims they became “tangled up,” but denied trying to attack her.

Grzegorek was arrested a short time later.  His home address is a short distance from the walking trail. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 31st.