On February 10th, 2016, Watertown Police Department began an investigation into a report of an assault and kidnapping that occurred in the 900 block of 11th Ave NW.

Upon investigation, two victims, an adult male and female, were identified. The victims were coaxed to a residence where they were held against their will and assaulted. The male victim sustained serious non-life threatening injuries.

On February 11th, 2016, Watertown Police apprehended two suspects. Mr. Thomas Carpenter (29yrs old), and Mr. Darren Clements (age 26) were arrested for Kidnapping-2nd Degree, Aggravated Assault, Intentional Damage to Property and Interference with Emergency Communication.

This is believed to be an isolated incident as the persons involved are acquaintances. The case is currently under investigation and other arrests may be pending.

Carpenter is being held on a $25,000 cash bond at the Codington County Detention Center.
Clements is being held on a $25,000 cash bond at the Codington County Detention Center.

Kidnapping-2nd Degree and Aggravated Assault are Class 3 Felonies which carry a maximum penalty of fifteen years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or a fine of $30,000.

Interference with Emergency Communication is a Class 1 Misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail and/or a fine of $2,000.

Intentional Damage to Property is a Class 2 Misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of thirty days in county jail and/or a fine of $500.