Albert Lea Police Officers Honored for Rescuing Kidnapped Girl

Two officers played key roles in locating and recovering 7-year-old Brynlee Nelson after she went missing in January.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In January, 7-year-old Brynlee Nelson went missing after getting off her school bus in Zimmerman, Minnesota, prompting an Amber Alert. Two Albert Lea Police officers, Sergeant Alex Kunkel and Patrolman Joshua Knudson, were instrumental in locating Nelson and arresting the suspect, 28-year-old Joseph Bragg of Maple Grove, who was charged with kidnapping and first-degree sexual misconduct. On Monday, Kunkel and Knudson were honored by the Albert Lea City Council for their heroic efforts in the case.

Why it matters

The successful rescue of Brynlee Nelson highlights the importance of quick police response and coordination in child abduction cases. The incident also raised concerns about the safety of children in the community and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

After receiving a tip about a vehicle matching the description from the Amber Alert, Sergeant Kunkel pulled over the vehicle in Albert Lea and spoke with the driver, Joseph Bragg. Patrolman Knudson then arrived on the scene and spotted Brynlee Nelson hidden in the back of Bragg's truck. Bragg was arrested and charged with kidnapping and first-degree sexual misconduct, while Nelson was safely returned to her family.

  • On January 21, 7-year-old Brynlee Nelson went missing after getting off her school bus in Zimmerman, Minnesota.
  • An Amber Alert was issued for Nelson's disappearance.
  • On the same day, Sergeant Alex Kunkel pulled over a vehicle matching the description in Albert Lea.
  • Patrolman Joshua Knudson arrived on the scene and located Nelson in the back of the vehicle.
  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, Kunkel and Knudson were honored by the Albert Lea City Council for their roles in the rescue.

The players

Brynlee Nelson

A 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped after getting off her school bus in Zimmerman, Minnesota.

Joseph Bragg

A 28-year-old man from Maple Grove, Minnesota, who was charged with kidnapping and first-degree sexual misconduct in the abduction of Brynlee Nelson.

Sergeant Alex Kunkel

An Albert Lea Police officer who pulled over the vehicle matching the description from the Amber Alert and spoke with the driver, Joseph Bragg.

Patrolman Joshua Knudson

An Albert Lea Police officer who arrived on the scene and located Brynlee Nelson hidden in the back of Bragg's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“This was 100 percent a team effort this could not have been done alone.”

— Joshua Knudson, Patrolman (kaaltv.com)

“The first gas station that I was able to come across, I saw a vehicle that matched the description. The vehicle had out of state license plates.”

— Alex Kunkel, Sergeant (kaaltv.com)

“More just trying to play it off, trying to be a cordial and play it off more as I'm just here for an equipment violation. I just kind of wanted to know where he was going, what he was doing.”

— Alex Kunkel, Sergeant (kaaltv.com)

“The truck was packed full of items, I couldn't see anything. I then went around the driver side of the pick up, and in the back behind the driver seat, my flashlight, I could see what looked like blonde hair, on the top of the forehead of the little girl, and that's when I knew she was back there.”

— Joshua Knudson, Patrolman (kaaltv.com)

What’s next

The Sherburne County Sheriff is asking anyone who may have had Joseph Bragg watch their children to contact the Minnesota BCA at 763-765-3500.

The takeaway

The quick actions and coordination of the Albert Lea Police officers played a crucial role in locating and rescuing Brynlee Nelson, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift response in child abduction cases to protect vulnerable members of the community.