Staples suspect arraigned on second-degree assault
A Staples man suspected of robbing a Motley family at gunpoint Dec. 17 and who was shot Dec. 20 by a law enforcement officer after a 45-minute chase has been moved from a hospital bed to a jail cell.
Luke Daniel Johnson, 23, Tuesday was released from St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, transferred to Cass County Jail and then appeared on criminal charges in Cass County District Court in Walker, said Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher.
Cass County Attorney Earl Maus said Johnson was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, operation of a motor vehicle without consent from its owner, fifth-degree controlled substance charges and fleeing a peace officer. These charges stem from the chase.
Maus said bail was set at $150,000. Johnson's next court appearance was set for Monday.
Johnson likely will face criminal charges in Morrison County related to the Dec. 17 armed robbery. Morrison County Attorney Conrad Freeberg said Tuesday that multiple charges against Johnson are being considered and may be filed Wednesday.
The Cass County criminal complaint states:
* Johnson is suspected of entering a residence in Morrison County Dec. 17 and taking a 1995 red Dodge Dakota pickup at gunpoint from a Motley family. Johnson tied and bound the family members before leaving their home. The family members held by gunpoint were identified by the Morrison County Sheriff's Department as Herb and Debbie Bloomquist and their 5-year-old daughter. They were not injured.
* On Dec. 19, the Dodge Dakota truck was found in the parking lot at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Alexandria. At the same time the truck was found, it was reported a 2000 Ford F-250 pickup was stolen. A day later, Travis Holderbecker, an off-duty Cass County deputy, observed the Ford truck traveling east near Cass County Roads 1 and 24. The deputy began following the vehicle in his personal vehicle and contacted the Cass County Sheriff's Department.
* The vehicle traveled west on Cass County Road 24 to State Highway 64 and proceeded to travel north. In the area of Cass County Road 20 and Highway 64, Cass County deputies and a Nisswa police officer began pursuing the vehicle. A pursuit began as the suspect continued to travel north on Highway 64 at high speeds.
* The vehicle continued on the highway until it came to 52nd Street Southwest, where it drove across the highway and into a field. The vehicle then was cornered in the field by vehicles driven by Nisswa Police Officer Brandon Rothwell and Cass County Sheriff's Deputy Derek LaVoy.
* Upon stopping, Johnson displayed a handgun, a .357-caliber loaded handgun, which he pointed toward his own head and began making a wild motion with it. The officers got out of their squad vehicles and repeatedly ordered Johnson to drop the gun. Johnson continued to hold the gun and he got out of his vehicle and began walking toward the officers. The officers continued to order Johnson to stop and drop the gun as they were in fear for their lives.
* After Johnson failed to comply with dropping his gun, Rothwell shot Johnson, who fell to the ground and immediately received medical attention.
* Officers recovered a glass pipe and cocaine inside the stolen pickup.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.