Teen Preston Larson Charged with High School Kidnapping and State Park Attempted Strangulation in Minnesota

An 18-year-old resident of northwestern Minnesota is facing multiple felony charges following a harrowing sequence of events involving the abduction of his minor girlfriend from her high school campus and a violent physical attack at a nearby state park.

Preston Larson, 18, of Hawley in Clay County, was formally charged in Clay County District Court in connection with the incident that occurred on Wednesday. Court filings reveal a disturbing timeline of forced restraint, physical violence, and interrupted emergency communications that spanned multiple locations across Clay County.

Public backlash was fierce
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Details of the Incident: From High School to State Park

According to law enforcement records and criminal complaints filed in Clay County, the incident began during school hours at Hawley High School. Authorities allege that Larson arrived at the educational facility and confronted his 17-year-old girlfriend.

Witnesses and investigators indicate that Larson forced the victim into his vehicle against her will, effectively initiating an abduction on school grounds.

From the high school campus, Larson drove the victim approximately 10 miles west to Buffalo River State Park, a popular natural area located near Glyndon, Minnesota. It was within the secluded confines of the park that the situation escalated into severe physical violence.

Court documents state that while at the park, Larson physically assaulted the victim, culminating in an attempted strangulation. During the altercation, the victim attempted to contact emergency services for help, but Larson allegedly intervened and forcibly prevented her from completing the 911 call.

Breakdown of Formal Criminal Charges

The Clay County Attorney’s Office formally filed six distinct criminal counts against Larson based on the law enforcement investigation and victim testimony:

• Two Counts of Kidnapping (Felony): Charged under Minnesota statutes covering the unlawful confinement or removal of an individual without consent to facilitate a crime or inflict bodily harm.

• One Count of Domestic Assault by Strangulation (Felony): Addressing the specific act of intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat or neck.

• One Count of Interference with an Emergency Call (Gross Misdemeanor): Applicable to the intentional prevention or disruption of a person seeking emergency law enforcement assistance via 911.

• Two Counts of Misdemeanor Domestic Assault: Covering intentional acts designed to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, as well as the actual infliction of bodily harm upon a family or household member.

Legal Definitions & Minnesota Statutory Penalties

The charges filed against Larson carry substantial legal ramifications under Minnesota state law, reflecting the gravity of the alleged offenses.

1. Kidnapping (Minn. Stat. § 609.25)

Under Minnesota law, kidnapping involves removing a person from one place to another or confining them without consent. When the crime involves a victim under the age of 18 or results in bodily harm, the potential penalties increase significantly. In Minnesota, a conviction for felony kidnapping can carry a statutory maximum penalty of up to 20 to 40 years in prison, depending on whether the victim was released in a safe place without great bodily harm.

2. Domestic Assault by Strangulation (Minn. Stat. § 609.2247)

Minnesota penalizes domestic assault by strangulation as a distinct felony due to the high statistical correlation between strangulation and lethal domestic violence. A conviction carries a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

3. Interference with a 911 Call (Minn. Stat. § 609.78)

Intentionally interrupting, disrupting, or preventing an individual from making an emergency call is prosecuted as a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $3,000.

Broader Context: High-Profile Cases and Media Scrutiny

The charges against Larson coincide with a broader, highly publicized conversation surrounding intimate partner violence among young adults and internet personalities. The incident reflects similar dynamics seen in recent high-profile legal cases, such as when controversial digital creator Jack Doherty was arrested in Florida on domestic violence charges—an event covered in Behind Bars Again: Influencer Jack Doherty Arrested in Florida for Domestic Violence. Both cases highlight how quickly relationship conflict can escalate into criminal behavior, drawing critical public attention to the legal consequences of domestic abuse, the importance of early intervention, and the urgent need for protective measures for victims regardless of the perpetrator’s social standing or age.

Community Impact and Public Safety Response

The incident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Hawley, a city of approximately 2,200 residents located roughly 25 miles east of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.

Local school districts and regional law enforcement agencies routinely emphasize the critical importance of campus security protocols and rapid inter-agency communication. The cross-jurisdictional nature of the crime—originating on municipal school grounds and continuing into a state-managed park—required coordinated intervention from local police, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota State Park rangers.

Advocates for domestic violence prevention highlight that abusive behaviors and intimate partner violence frequently manifest during late adolescence. Legal resources, protective orders, and specialized counseling services are routinely mobilized in Clay County to assist minor victims of domestic violence and their families following severe traumatic events.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

Larson remains in custody pending his initial court appearances in Clay County District Court in Moorhead, Minnesota. The judicial process will determine bail conditions, potential pre-trial release terms, and conditional no-contact orders to ensure the protection of the minor victim.

All criminal defendants, including Larson, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where did the alleged kidnapping take place?

The abduction reportedly began at Hawley High School in Hawley, Clay County, Minnesota, before the suspect drove the victim to Buffalo River State Park near Glyndon.

What are the main charges against Preston Larson?

Larson faces two felony counts of kidnapping, one felony count of domestic assault by strangulation, one gross misdemeanor count of interference with a 911 call, and two counts of misdemeanor domestic assault.

What is the distinction between standard assault and domestic assault by strangulation in Minnesota?

Minnesota law classifies assault by strangulation as a specific felony (Minn. Stat. § 609.2247) because impeding airway or blood flow poses an immediate, severe risk of brain injury or death, elevating it above standard misdemeanor assault charges.

What resources exist for victims of teenage relationship abuse in Minnesota?

Victims and families dealing with adolescent relationship abuse can access support through the Day One Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line (1-866-223-1111) or the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (1-866-331-9474), offering 24/7 confidential crisis intervention and safety planning.