Grand Rapids Man, 18, Charged In Kidnapping, Police Chase

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An 18-year-old Grand Rapids man faces multiple serious charges in connection to a kidnapping and police chase in Itasca County last week.

On Monday, Rodney Jacob LaBrosse made an appearance in Itasca County District Court after being charged with second-degree assault, domestic assault by strangulation, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and four counts of kidnapping – all felonies. He was also charged with interference with an emergency call, a gross misdemeanor.

LaBrosse's charges allege that he absconded from probation, kidnapped a female friend at knifepoint and forced her to drive to his ex-girlfriend's place on July 24. He then allegedly forced the female friend to get his ex-girlfriend and her infant child into the vehicle.

The complaint says LaBrosse hid in nearby woods while his ex-girlfriend and her child got into the vehicle. He then got into the vehicle and kept his ex-girlfriend in the vehicle by choking her.

Later, he released the three victims and led law enforcement on a 5-mile police pursuit until surrendering.

His bail has been set at $100,000 without conditions and $50,000 with conditions. His next appearance is set for Aug. 4, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Each kidnapping charge carries a 20-year maximum sentence.