A Pine City man drove his black Cadillac at two people during a fight in Linwood Township, hitting one man and grazing a teenage boy, according to charges.
Joshua John Larson, 40, faces a charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded to a report of a fight on the 8000th block of 241st Lane NE in Linwood Township, Anoka County, at about 10:13 a.m. on September 19. Witnesses told officers that Larson and an adult male victim were involved in a physical altercation. As the fight was ending, Larson got into his Cadillac and drove it at the victim, striking him and knocking him to the ground.
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A second victim, a 15-year-old boy, was grazed by the vehicle’s passenger headlight as Larson drove forward, the complaint states. One witness reported seeing Larson punch the adult victim first during the altercation.
Officers observed that the adult victim was bleeding from the top of his head and right hand, had abrasions under his eyes and nose, a cut to his left knee and abrasions along both sides of his body. The victim told officers he was unsure which injuries came from the fight and which were caused by being hit by the Cadillac.
The complaint notes that the State requested a body-only warrant for Larson and asked that he be held in custody until bail and release conditions are set, including protective orders.
The charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon alleges that Larson used his vehicle as a weapon against the victims during the confrontation.
The charge was filed Monday, September 21, in Anoka County District Court.
About This Charge
Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
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Jurisdictional Context
Anoka County, north of the Twin Cities, is served by the Anoka County Attorney’s Office through the Tenth Judicial District. The Anoka County Courthouse in Anoka hears felony matters; the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office operates the Anoka County Jail.
