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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Police Department
Mike Ceynowa, Chief of Police
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
DATE: 1/4/2011
SUBJECT: Duluth Police Arrest three in Kidnapping and Assault
BY: DPD Public Information Officer Jim Hansen
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Duluth Police Arrest three in Kidnapping and Assault
CASE NO.: 11000444
INCIDENT DATE: 1/1/2011
INCIDENT TIME: 1819 hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: 721 W. 3rd St. & 2324 Pershing Street
SUBJECT: Duluth Police Arrest three in Kidnapping and Assault
BY: DPD Public Information Officer Jim Hansen
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Duluth Police Arrest three in Kidnapping and Assault
CASE NO.: 11000444
INCIDENT DATE: 1/1/2011
INCIDENT TIME: 1819 hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: 721 W. 3rd St. & 2324 Pershing Street
The Duluth Police Department has arrested three men in connection with assault and kidnapping incidents that were reported on January 1, 2011 at approximately 6:09 pm. The incidents occurred at 721 W. 3rd Street in the upper apartment and at 2324 Pershing Street.
On January 1, 2011 at 6:09 pm, Officers were dispatched to the area of 9th Ave W. and 3rd St. in response to a reported assault on one individual, and that victim’s concern for the welfare of another individual who was at the 721 W 3rd St address. Investigation led officers to believe the second party was in danger of being harmed by several people present in the apartment. Further information indicated that weapons may be present in the apartment.
The Duluth Police Department Tactical Response team responded to the scene and made entry into the apartment. The second individual was found to be alone, but injured.
Officers developed information on the possible location of three suspects in the assaults. One individual was located at a residence in the 800 block of E 13th Street and taken into custody at approximately 4:00 am on January 2, 2011. Officers located the remaining two suspects at 2324 Pershing Street later in the morning of January 2, 2011. Both suspects were also taken into custody.
The incident stems from a prior burglary at one of the suspect’s homes. The two victims were allegedly responsible for the burglary. The suspects held both victims against their will at various times. Both victims received injuries from a knife. They were treated at local hospitals and released.
The three suspects have been identified as:
Vladimir Vladimirovic Brik, age 21 of Duluth. Brik has been charged with four counts of 2nd Degree Assault, two counts of 3rd Degree Assault, Kidnapping, Simple Robbery and 1st Degree Burglary.
Samson Siokivaha Ofanoa, age 22 of Duluth. Ofanoa was charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Kidnapping, and two counts of 3rd Degree Assault.
Quade Allen Ojibway, age 20 of Duluth. Ojibway was charged with 2 counts of 2nd Degree Assault, 1st Degree Burglary, Kidnapping and 2 counts of 3rd Degree Assault.
All three suspects appeared in St. Louis County Court on Tuesday January 4, 2011. Bail was set at $150,000 for Brik, $100,000 for Ofanoa, and $100,000 for Ojibway.
Burglary charges are also pending against both of the victims in this case.