Waite Park Man Charged With Kidnapping, Assault After Holding Woman at Gunpoint in Shower

(KNSI) — A Waite Park man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly holding a woman at gunpoint for several hours inside their home.

According to a criminal complaint, on January 25th, the woman and 46-year-old Johnathan Vanzandt were at a friend’s house to help with laundry, painting, and child care. She wanted to stay, but he didn’t and felt she was “not respecting him,” so he became upset. The two went home, and on the way, got into an argument, and he hit her in the throat. Once they arrived, Vanzandt dragged her inside and said he was going to “off” her. She was in the kitchen, and he disappeared but returned with a gun and told her to go to the bathroom because she smelled bad, held a gun to her head and said her life depended on it. He then forced her into the shower and told her to stand there, and turned off the heat and electricity to the house, causing the water to go cold. Vanzandt held her there for several hours while he hit her several times and tried to burn her. Vanzandt fell asleep, and she escaped.

Court documents say Vanzandt has a long criminal history in several other states and initially fled, but was arrested on Friday. He remains in jail. He is charged with kidnapping, assault, threats of violence, and being a felon in possession of a gun.

Court documents say Vanzandt has a long criminal history in several other states and initially fled, but was arrested on Friday. He remains in jail.

His next court date is March 27th.