Cambridge man arrested after allegedly kidnapping resident from Pine City group home

A Cambridge man was arrested on June 10 after allegedly kidnapping a resident at the group home in Pine City where he worked.

Court documents state that Dean Simonson has been charged with kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, Pine County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the report that Simonson took off from the group home with a resident at a high rate of speed in his truck.

Simonson did not have permission or authority to take the resident, who is a vulnerable adult requiring around-the-clock supervision.

Simonson was on temporary medical employment leave from his job at the group home.

Law enforcement learned the truck was at a nearby car dealership, but left before authorities arrived.

The truck was again located nearby driving at a high rate of speed, and did not immediately stop when pursued by a deputy.

Simonson abruptly stopped the vehicle in the middle of the road and refused to follow commands from law enforcement.

The resident said Simonson yelled that he was his father, and attempted to switch cars at the dealership. He also said Simonson threw his cell phone out the window after the house manager repeatedly tried to call.

Simonson was subsequently arrested, and will make his next court appearance on June 24.

One of Simonson's coworkers said he had been sending erratic text messages with conspiracy theories related to other employees.

Family members had requested a welfare check on Simonson around the time of the kidnapping, based on nonsensical communication received from him throughout the night.

Those messages included a video of Simonson telling a relative to follow instructions or "someone will die."