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Hawley Man Charged with Kidnapping and Strangling 17-Year-Old

Preston Thomas Larson faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Clay County District Court.

2 reports on this incident · first at Sep 3, 2026, 1:12 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterFirst reported Sep 3, 2026, 12:24 p.m. ETWritten Sep 3, 2026, 1:22 p.m. ET
Preston Thomas Larson, 18, of Hawley, has been in with two counts of kidnapping, domestic assault by strangulation, interference with a 911 call, and two misdemeanor domestic assault counts, according to Valley News Live. The charges stem from an alleged incident on September 2, in which the government claims Larson pulled up in his SUV, forced a 17-year-old into it against her will, drove her to Buffalo River State Park and a second location, removed her pants without consent, and strangled her, leaving visible red marks and impeding her breathing. The charges are allegations, and Larson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is at the charging stage and has not been decided by a court.

Earlier reports

  1. Sep 3, 2026, 1:12 p.m. ETFirst report

    Hawley Man Charged with Kidnapping and Strangling 17-Year-Old; Case Undecided

    A Hawley man has been charged in Clay County District Court with kidnapping and assaulting a 17-year-old girl, according to Valley News Live. Preston Thomas Larson, 18, faces two counts of kidnapping, domestic assault by strangulation, interference with a 911 call, and two misdemeanor domestic assault counts.

    The charges stem from an alleged incident on September 2, when Larson is accused of forcing the teenager into his SUV against her will, driving her to Buffalo River State Park and a second location, removing her pants without consent, and strangling her, leaving visible red marks and impeding her breathing, according to the same outlet.

    The case is at the charging stage and has not been resolved. Larson has been charged but not yet tried. Charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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Revision history

  1. Version 13 Sept 2026, 17:22current

    First published.

  2. Version 13 Sept 2026, 17:12current

    First published.

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