MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Man Charged With Attempted Kidnapping Outside Golden Valley Neurology Clinic

GOLDEN VALLEY, MN (August 22, 2026) A 63-year-old Cokato man faces felony charges after authorities say he tried to forcibly remove a woman with dementia from outside a Golden Valley medical clinic while another man pepper-sprayed members of her family.

Todd Alan Smith is charged in Hennepin County with attempting to kidnap the woman outside the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology on Golden Valley Road.

The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint and have not been proven in court. Smith is presumed innocent unless convicted.

Golden Valley police were called to the clinic Monday and found a woman receiving treatment to flush pepper spray from her eyes.

According to the complaint, three women had accompanied a family member with dementia to a medical appointment. As they prepared to leave, a truck approached and Smith and another man allegedly confronted the group.

Witnesses told investigators that the men used pepper spray and attempted to drag the woman with dementia away from her relatives. The family resisted, and other people came out of the clinic to help. Smith and the second man eventually left without taking the woman.

The woman’s daughter told investigators that Smith was her mother’s former romantic partner and had allegedly been abusive and exploitative toward her. Court documents state that the woman’s children have legal guardianship and are responsible for her medical and caregiving decisions.

Smith was arrested but released from custody Thursday. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 16.

Authorities have not publicly identified the second man or announced whether additional charges will be filed.

The case illustrates the risks faced by vulnerable adults, particularly people whose cognitive impairments may affect their ability to recognize danger, communicate their wishes or protect themselves from manipulation.

Anyone concerned about the abuse or exploitation of a vulnerable Minnesota adult may contact the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 844-880-1574. Immediate threats should be reported to 911.

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