UPDATE: Woman arrested following pursuit, stand off in Big Stone County identified

April 19, 2023
Mike Tanner

ORTONVILLE, Minn.–Authorities have identified a woman involved in a pursuit and standoff that ended early Tuesday morning just east of Graceville, Minnesota.

Big Stone County Sheriff Mark Brown says 45 year-old Venesa Lafromboise of Sioux Falls is being held in the Kandiyohi County Jail in Willmar.

Lamfromboise was at the wheel of a car that failed to pull over for an attempted traffic stop.

A pursuit ensued that crossed the South Dakota-Minnesota line from Roberts County into Traverse County, and eventually into Big Stone County.

Authorities laid down spike strips on Minnesota Highway 28 just west of Graceville, and the pursuit ended a mile east of Graceville when the car Lafromboise was driving became disabled.

She refused officer commands to exit the car, and a 90 minute standoff ensued before Lamfromboise surrendered.

A knife, syringe and a small amount of drugs were found in the vehicle.

Lamfromboise is charged with several felony-level crimes including being a Fugitive From Justice, Fleeing Police, and Obstructing the Legal Process.

She’s being held without bond on the Fugitive From Justice charge. Her unconditional bond was set at $300,000 on the other charges, or $150,000 with conditions.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 2nd.