On March 18 around 1032 PM, local authorities were made aware of an
obduction that occurred in Brown County South Dakota. A 41 year old female was taken
from her mother’s residence in South Dakota by Ryan Degroat age 35.

Law Enforcement was able to utilize cellphone triangulation to locate the suspect
vehicle, a 2006 Gold Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle was located at the rest area on Highway
281, 8 miles north of Edgeley at approximately 0222 AM on 03/19/2022. Highway Patrol
Troopers and a Lamoure County Deputy were on scene.

The male suspect was taken into custody by the North Dakota Highway Patrol and
was transported to Stutsman County Corrections pending felony charges. The female was
transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center by ambulance and treated for injuries
sustained throughout the incident. The female victims name will not be released.

Agencies that responded are as follows. Highway Patrol, Lamoure County Sheriff’s office, BCI,
Edgeley and Jamestown Ambulance.

Ryan Degroat, Ogema, MN, remains in custody as of today on the following felony charges
pending in Lamoure County. Charges are Kidnapping, Felonious Restraint and Terrorizing,
regarding his involvement in the above incident.

The incident continues to be under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.