A man wanted on a Department of Corrections warrant was arrested Friday after he and his girlfriend allegedly led law enforcement on a high speed pursuit with an infant in the back seat.
David Allen Brandenburg, 34, of Park Rapids, was wanted on an active Department of Corrections warrant and allegedly had his girlfriend pick him up in her vehicle to flee a residence near Dorset when authorities were notified of his location.
Brandenburg is facing two felony and two gross misdemeanor counts following Friday’s incident.
According to the complaint filed in Hubbard County District Court, Brandenburg’s probation agent advised deputies there was an outstanding DOC warrant for Brandenburg’s arrest. The probation agent requested a deputy to the location based on Brandenburg’s aggressive behavior.
Brandenburg allegedly told the agent he was “not going to jail”. Brandenburg then called his girlfriend and told her to come pick him up. They fled in the vehicle east on 200th Street, north on 219th Avenue, before turning north on County Road 7 at what is described in the complaint as a “high rate of speed” starting shortly after 2 p.m.
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The girlfriend did appear in court Monday on a fleeing charge. She was released on her own recognizance based on the recommendation of Hubbard County Attorney Don Dearstyne, and ordered to have no contact with Brandenburg.
Dearstyne said there may be extenuating circumstances related to her involvement in the incident, with the possibility Brandenburg forced her to keep driving after law enforcement initiated a stop.
According to the complaint, an officer overheard Brandenburg say that, “he made the driver run from us and that he held them against their will.”
A conservation officer with the Minnesota DNR attempted to stop the vehicle, which continued north at speeds of over 80 mph, and turned north at the intersection of County Road 24 and County Road 4, according to the complaint.
A Hubbard County deputy used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle. Brandenburg then allegedly got out of the car and came at the deputy with clenched fists and, the complaint alleges, Brandenburg “drew his right arm back in a punching position.”
The deputy took down Brandenburg who continued to fight and resist the arrest. Other deputies arrived and they were able to put Brandenburg in handcuffs, the complaint stated.
Officers then removed the female driver out of the vehicle and discovered a 22-month-old baby in a car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Brandenburg tested positive at the jail for the use of methamphetamine.
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No injuries were reported in the incident. The child was turned over to Cass County Social Services.
Brandenburg and the female driver made their initial court appearances Monday.
Investigation into the incident continues with the possibility
Brandenburg is charged with felony Kidnapping-To Facilitate Felony or Flight, punishable by a maximum 40 years imprisonment and $50,000 fine: felony Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle, maximum three years and/or $5,000.
The gross misdemeanor charges of 4th Degree Assault on a Peace Officer and Interfering with Peace Officer both carry a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
The judge set Brandenburg’s bail at $40,000 unconditional and $30,000 conditional. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 7.
