Woman Charged After Dragging Ex-Boyfriend With Car in Apple Valley
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A breakup dispute in Apple Valley escalated when prosecutors say a woman dragged her ex-boyfriend alongside her car.
The incident left the juvenile victim with severe road rash injuries and hospitalized him in a burn unit.
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The incident happened Monday, March 9 in Apple Valley after police were called to a report of a domestic altercation involving a person who had been dragged by a vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, officers arrived and spoke with the injured juvenile male, who was described as being in clear pain and suffering from extensive abrasions across both shoulders, buttocks, calves and heels.
The victim told investigators he had ended a relationship with 20-year-old Jyesha Janae Keten, of St. Louis Park, two days earlier. He said she became upset about the breakup and demanded he return Valentine’s Day gifts she had given him. He refused. The victim also told police Keten claimed she was pregnant and asked him to meet her alone at her home. He declined and suggested meeting at a clinic instead, which she refused.
Later that day, the victim arranged for an Uber delivery to pick up a vape from a cousin’s house and bring it to him. The complaint states the cousin alerted Keten about the delivery, and she drove to the area of the victim’s home and intercepted the package before it arrived.
The victim ran down the street trying to alert the Uber driver that the delivery belonged to him, but both the driver and Keten had already left the area.
According to investigators, Keten later returned and stopped near where the victim was standing. She rolled down the passenger window and told him he would only get the vape back if he returned the Valentine’s Day gifts.
The victim saw the package on the passenger seat and reached into the car window to grab it. Prosecutors say Keten then accelerated while the victim was leaning into the vehicle.
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The movement caused the vehicle’s center pillar to strike the victim, and he grabbed onto the door to avoid being knocked down and run over. The complaint states Keten continued driving with the victim hanging from the vehicle for about 3,000 feet.
While driving, Keten was reportedly speaking on the phone and told the person on the call that the victim “wouldn’t let go,” which investigators say indicated she knew he was still being pulled by the vehicle.
As the victim’s strength gave out, his feet and buttocks began dragging along the roadway. He eventually released his grip after noticing the vehicle heading toward parked cars and fearing he would be killed if he collided with them.
Paramedics transported the victim to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he received critical emergency care before being admitted to the pediatric burn unit. Medical staff documented deep abrasions on both shoulder blades and the buttocks along with additional injuries to his heel and knee. Doctors reported a high probability of life- or limb-threatening deterioration when he arrived.
Investigators say Keten initially denied striking or dragging the victim with her vehicle. She later told police she drove away because the victim had threatened her and punched her.
Prosecutors charged Keten with felony criminal vehicular operation resulting in substantial bodily harm and misdemeanor domestic assault. If convicted on the felony charge, she faces up to three years in prison.
Keten made an initial court appearance Thursday. Bail was set at $25,000 with conditions including no contact with the victim, no alcohol or controlled substance use and remaining law abiding.
The incident left the juvenile victim with severe road rash injuries and hospitalized him in a burn unit.