Preston Thomas Larson Charged With Kidnapping and Strangling a 17-Year-Old Girl

 

Preston Thomas Larson Is Accused of Kidnapping and Strangling a 17-Year-Old Girl

Preston Thomas Larson of Hawley, Minnesota, is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege he kidnapped and strangled a 17-year-old girl in September 2026.

According to the criminal complaint, Larson approached the teenager in his SUV while she was walking and forced her into the vehicle against her will.

Prosecutors allege that Larson then drove her to Buffalo River State Park. When the girl attempted to escape, he allegedly dragged her back into the SUV.

The violence allegedly continued at another secluded location.

According to the complaint, Larson removed the girl's pants without her consent, placed both hands around her neck and strangled her until she was unable to breathe normally, leaving visible injuries.

Authorities say the girl eventually managed to contact law enforcement from inside the SUV. A bystander reportedly witnessed her crying for help and contacted police as well.

Larson was arrested after authorities tracked his vehicle using information from local outlets.

The 18-year-old now faces two counts of kidnapping, felony domestic assault by strangulation, interference with a 911 call, and two misdemeanor domestic-assault charges.

This case remains pending. Larson has not been convicted, and the allegations must be proven in court.

But the girl's attempts to get away deserve to remain at the center of the story.

Prosecutors say she tried to escape and was dragged back into the vehicle. She was allegedly taken somewhere secluded and strangled. And somehow, from inside that SUV, she still found a way to call for fucking help.