Suspect in custody facing kidnapping charges

William Thraen

An altercation at a home west of Cottage Grove Sunday led to kidnapping and other charges for a local man.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office states that late Sunday morning, they received a report of a young man running through private property, claiming that someone was chasing him and trying to kill him with a rifle.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded and began looking for the man, 27-year old Norman Kohl, who described a dispute at a nearby property with 37-year old Robert William Thraen. On Monday, Sgt. Carrie Carver of the Sheriff’s Office declined to detail the nature of the dispute, citing an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Reports stated that Thraen pointed a firearm at Kohl and threatened him at a residence in the 28000 block of Cottage Grove-Lorane Highway, where Carver said Thraen was known to reside.

Sheriff’s Deputies would later contact Thraen, who allegedly attempted to evade capture by hiding under a manufactured home on the property for over two hours. Thraen was coaxed from under the trailer with the use of a taser’s laser sight and at gunpoint. Carver said these displays amount to a “show of force” that is meant to encourage cooperation with deputies.

For the complete article see the 03-06-2013 issue.

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