BEAVER CREEK — A Luverne resident has been charged with a felony count of domestic abuse by strangulation, which reportedly occurred while the victim was driving. Mannuel Olson, 29, also faces a misdemeanor count of domestic assault for attempting to inflict bodily harm upon a family member.
According to the report, two Rock County deputies were dispatched to a domestic assault call on April 24, near the I-90 ramp at Beaver Creek. When the deputies arrived on the scene, they spoke with the victim, who stated that Olson and his wife had been arguing in the car while he was driving.
The driver said he was fed up with the arguing and told Olson to "shut up." Olson reportedly responded by stating “I’ll strangle you” and proceeded to wrap his arm around the driver’s neck while he was still driving westbound on I-90.
The driver stated he then exited the interstate and parked the vehicle. Some time following that, Olson reportedly “sucker punched” the driver on the left side of his face, according to the report, before walking away.
While speaking to the driver, the deputy observed a red mark around the front side of his throat. The driver also was continuously coughing and claimed he felt like he had a tickle in his throat. There was also a noticeable red mark on the upper cheek on the left side of his face.
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During this time, the second deputy located Olson walking toward a nearby gas station. The deputy sounded the airhorn, and Olson stopped walking. He was patted down by the deputy and asked to sit in the back of the squad car.
The deputy asked Olson what had happened, and Olson reportedly stated the driver had made a racist joke about his daughter, and Olson had put his hands around the driver’s neck. The officer observed a small amount of blood on Olson’s lip and asked him what happened. Olson stated he must have gotten hit.
The first deputy arrived and indicated Olson should be placed under arrest. Olson was detained and transported to Nobles County Jail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for May 9.
If convicted, Olson faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine for the felony domestic assault charge. The misdemeanor domestic assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
