Officials say three men are in custody and will be charged this week for allegedly kidnapping Alexandria teenager Jasmine Block, taking her to a mobile home in Carlos and repeatedly assaulting her over several weeks while she was held captive. Police Chief Richard Wyffels says Jasmine escaped Tuesday afternoon when the three suspects left her alone to get lunch. She knocked on several doors and eventually swam across part of Thompson Lake to find help. Chief Wyffels says, “She’s an amazing woman with a lot of strength — young lady with a lot of strength. We think a lot of her family. Her mom was strong for this whole time and consistent and never gave up. Amazing people.”
Investigators say 32-year-old Thomas Barker of Carlos, a family acquaintance, tricked Jasmine to get into his vehicle saying he needed help with a family situation. The other suspects are 20-year-old Steven Powers of Mankato and 31-year-old Joshua Holby of Carlos.