Alleged Sword Fighting Beltrami County Fugitive Caught in SD

A man accused in a sword fight in a Beltrami County (MN) home in July was arrested in Brookings, SD, Thursday morning.

Beltrami County Sheriff Phil Hodapp says Lucas Wayne French, 29, was arrested on an escape charge. French was being held in jail on assault charges and maltreatment of a child.

French is accused of engaging in a sword fight with another man on July 12 in a rural Beltrami County home. A 10-year-old child was slightly injured in the fight. French allegedly pulled out the sword and swung at the man, who also pulled a sword to defend himself.

French was given work release from the court and was working at a local business when he left on a break and didn't return to work. Authorities say French had also taken money from his employer before taking off.

Authorities say French left with his girlfriend, Carmen Faye Monroe, 31, and two children they don't have legal custody of. Monroe was also arrested in Brookings and charged with aiding and abetting the escape.

The two children were found unharmed by officers.

French was located by Beltrami County Sheriff's Department investigators with help from several law enforcement agencies including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Brookings police and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.