Deputy Strangled, Suspect Climbs 30-Foot Tree Before Arrest

RICE LAKE, Minn. — A man is in custody after allegedly strangling a St. Louis County deputy and climbing a 30-foot tree to escape on Monday.

Deputies responded around 1:15 p.m. to the 4100 block of Willard Road for reports of a suspicious individual.

When a deputy attempted to arrest him, the man became violent, allegedly strangling the deputy before fleeing on foot, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. 

The suspect then climbed a tree, leading to a four-hour negotiation with law enforcement. He eventually came down and was taken into custody without further incident.

The deputy was treated at a medical facility and released.