FRANKLIN, MN — A rural Winthrop man was arrested Friday after allegedly threatening to kill his probation officer and leading law enforcement on a 13-mile pursuit that ended in Franklin.
According to the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified Friday morning by Renville County Probation that 64-year-old Thomas McDonald had made threats against his probation officer. The Renville County Attorney’s Office outlined the allegations in a criminal complaint, and an arrest warrant was issued by Renville County District Court.
Later that afternoon, deputies from the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office and Renville County located McDonald driving in Sibley County and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities said McDonald fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase that stretched approximately 13 miles before ending in Franklin, Minnesota after tire deflation devices were deployed.
Even after his vehicle was disabled, McDonald refused to exit despite multiple commands, officials said. Deputies, along with a sheriff’s K-9 unit, took him into custody.
McDonald was transported to Olivia Hospital & Clinic for treatment of a dog bite before being booked into the Renville County Jail.
Assistance was provided by the Fairfax Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office.
