Man accused of pepper-spraying woman, attempting to abduct her mother with dementia at Golden Valley clinic

August 21, 2026 · 24 sources

Quick Hits

Golden Valley police have arrested a man accused of pepper-spraying a woman and attempting to abduct her mother, who has dementia, at a Golden Valley clinic, KARE 11 reports.
In a separate Golden Valley case, 63-year-old Todd Alan Smith is charged with kidnapping after allegedly trying to abduct his ex from a hospital parking lot Monday, per KSTP.
The Animal Humane Society broke ground this week on a 13,000-square-foot clinic in Golden Valley that will double its current clinic's capacity.
MnDOT says Highway 280 reopens in both directions early Friday, capping a $34 million overhaul just one week before the Minnesota State Fair.
KSTP meteorologist Ken Barlow is forecasting a few thunderstorms late today and this evening.

Police say a man pepper-sprayed a woman and tried to pull her mother — who has dementia — into his truck at a Golden Valley clinic. The attempt led to his arrest, according to KARE 11.
In an unrelated case, Todd Alan Smith, 63, is in custody facing one count of kidnapping after he allegedly tried to kidnap his ex as she was leaving a Golden Valley hospital's parking lot on Monday, KSTP reports.
On a brighter note, the Animal Humane Society broke ground on a new 13,000-square-foot clinic in Golden Valley. Officials say the facility will double the capacity of their current clinic.

One month after nine people were shot outside the Reign Event Center in Uptown, no arrests have been made; residents and workers told KSTP the neighborhood is still feeling the aftermath.
A mile south, neighbors in Stevens Square hope increased patrols are making the area safer a month after a shooting left one person dead and four injured. Lotto stickers now cover the bullet holes at the Net Supermarket.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office responded to an overnight house fire at 47th Avenue North and Colfax Avenue North in north Minneapolis.
Ricardo Andres Bassat has been charged with third-degree burglary in connection with the Minneapolis art heist after 14 of the missing paintings were recovered from his St. Paul storage unit, court documents say.
The Minneapolis Board of Estimate & Taxation — a small board with outsized influence — will soon set the maximum property tax increase for the city.
The Outdoor Retailer trade show is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the first time, with Minnesota brands taking center stage.

St. Paul City Council members are moving to end city and county contracts for Flock license plate readers, setting up a debate over safety and surveillance.
In the Ramsey County gang lawsuit, a seventh alleged gang member has agreed not to attend the State Fair this year, while a judge ruled three others are barred from associating with one another at the fair.
Dmonte Shavezz Leanna was charged after prosecutors say he leaned out of his Buick and fired a handgun, striking an unmarked Ramsey County squad car.
Separately, a New Brighton man faces charges for allegedly shooting at a Ramsey County sergeant and K-9 during a road-rage chase in Maplewood.
A fraud prevention seminar highlighted how scammers exploit "urgency, fear and trust" — from romance scams and fake job offers to cryptocurrency pitches and impostors posing as family members.
St. Paul's FRM Run Club, which hosts weekly community runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, held a back-to-school giveaway.

The Vikings wrapped their second joint practice with the Ravens at TCO Performance Center this week, with KSTP reporting the competitive edge remained high after an intense first session between the two teams.
Minnesota United fell 2-1 to Atlanta United Wednesday night, with Tristan Muyumba scoring for the third straight game. Atlanta (5-12-3) has now won back-to-back matches after a seven-match winless streak.
Per KSTP's Darren Wolfson, Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. says he played a role in helping the Gophers land freshman running back Ryan Estrada.
Looking for weekend plans? KSTP highlights Minnesota Monthly's Fine Spirits Classic and a pickle festival among this week's picks.

Barlow's forecast: a few showers are falling across north-central Minnesota this morning, with the best chance for showers and a few thunderstorms in the metro coming late today and this evening.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is one week away, running Aug. 27 through Sept. 7 with roughly 2 million visitors expected — KARE 11 has a guide to navigating crowds and parking. New this year: a pickle pie and a $67 million Coliseum renovation headline the upgrades approved by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, and the Blue Barn will serve Iron Range Pierogies with horseradish sauce, Hugo Spritzes and Campfire Cold Brews.
Fair-bound drivers get a break: beyond Friday's Highway 280 reopening, MnDOT says there will be "no significant work" on the highway during the fair.
Gov. Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for Becker, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Winona counties following severe storms earlier this year.
The Minnesota Department of Health says two assisted living facilities managed by a woman charged in an alleged sex trafficking conspiracy will be permanently shut down.
The BCA is asking for the public's help finding Keircylyna Pelkey, a 16-year-old from Prior Lake who has been missing since July.
Former Gov. Mark Dayton, who served from 2011 to 2019, is pulling back the curtain on his time in office with a new memoir.