A Pelican Rapids man who wrestled a deputy to the ground and used an officer’s taser against them has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years of probation as part of a plea deal.
28-year-old Cole Franzen was arrested in December following a domestic disturbance that escalated into an assault on law enforcement. Otter Tail County prosecutors say Franzen was being taken into custody when he overpowered a deputy, wrestled them to the ground, and resisted arrest. A Pelican Rapids officer deployed a taser, but when it appeared ineffective, they set it down to assist.
That’s when Franzen grabbed the weapon and used it on the deputy, continuing to fight off officers before he was ultimately subdued and transported to the Otter Tail County Jail.
On Monday, February 24th, Franzen was officially sentenced to 90 days in jail with five years of supervised probation. However, if he violates probation, he could face an additional three years in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud.
AP Citation:
Sidian, Derek. “Pelican Rapids Man Sentenced for Using an Officer’s Weapon Against Them.” Otter Tail County, MN. February 26, 2025.
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Pelican Rapids Man Sentenced for Assaulting Deputy with Officer’s Weapon
Feb 27, 2025 | 5:58 AM