Hawley Man Accused Of Kidnapping

HAWLEY, MN—A man from Hawley is facing charges including kidnapping and domestic assault.  18-year-old Preston Thomas Larson was charged Thursday with six counts: two counts of kidnapping, one count of domestic assault by strangulation, plus interference with a 911 call and two counts of misdemeanor domestic assault.  According to Clay County Court documents, Larson and the victim, a 17-year-old girl, knew each other.  The girl told police she was walking in Hawley Wednesday morning when Larson pulled up in his SUV and told her to get in.  When she refused, Larson got out, grabbed her and forced her inside.  He then drove about ten minutes to Buffalo River State Park.  The complaint goes on to say the girl tried to get out at the Park, but Larson dragged her back inside and drove to another location…where he removed her pants without her consent.  When she fought back, Larson allegedly put both hands around her neck and squeezed, leaving visible red marks.  The girl told police Larson eventually stopped and she stopped resisting in an effort to take her to school, which he eventually did.  Larson is in custody in the Clay County Jail.