Charges: Hostage-taking gunman bent on taking others on 'trip to hell' subdued after struggle with southern Minnesota cop

A southern Minnesota man took his former girlfriend and another woman hostage at gunpoint after threatening to take them to hell with him before aiming his gun at a responding officer who fended off the suspect's aggression and subdued him, according to charges.

Dane M. VanderVoort, 32, of Hector, was charged Monday in Renville County District Court with nine felony counts ranging from use of deadly force on a police officer to kidnapping and burglary in connection with the weekend altercation in his ex-girlfriend's home in Fairfax.

The former girlfriend said VanderVoort sent threatening texts all day Saturday, including that "he was going to take everyone that he hates to hell with him," the criminal complaint read. He also told her to tell everyone to be ready for the trip that night.

VanderVoort remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 ahead of an April 5 court appearance.

Defense attorney Mark Kelly said on behalf of his client that "we believe he has been overcharged."

Kelly added that "Dane and his family are well respected in the community. They have lived there their entire lives. He is a great family man and father."

According to the charges: VanderVoort entered the ex-girlfriend's house unannounced brandishing a handgun at her in the kitchen and another woman. He warned them he would shoot if the police were alerted.

He let them out of his sight only to use the bathroom, but at some point, the former girlfriend texted her mother to contact law enforcement.

Fairfax police officer Derek Carlson arrived on scene and struggled with VanderVoort for control of the weapon. During the scuffle, VanderVoort bit Carlson on the top of the head, drawing blood.

Carlson shot VanderVoort in the head with his Taser, "which caused him to submit," the charges continued.

Two handguns were recovered at the scene belonging to VanderVoort's uncle.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482