A high-speed chase in Mendota Heights on Sunday morning resulted in a crash involving an innocent driver and a Minnesota State Patrol trooper.
While no significant injuries were reported, authorities said the incident was fully preventable.
According to Inver Grove Heights police, the incident occurred when a 19-year-old guy fleeing from police ran a red light and collided with another automobile. The incident caused both vehicles to spin out of control and collide with a parked state police squad car.
“If the trooper was out of the car trying to mitigate this pursuit, we just know it could be really terrible,” said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee.
Fortunately, the trooper was unharmed, the perpetrator was captured, and the innocent driver is anticipated to be fine.
“This incident is very frustrating. It can be preventable in the fact that people should know not to flee police, it’s extremely dangerous and it’s illegal,” Lee said.
As summer approaches, Lee says speeding becomes an even bigger issue, with dry roads and warmer temperatures adding to quicker, more risky driving. Speeding is the main cause of fatal accidents in Minnesota, closely followed by alcohol-related occurrences.
With construction season in full force, Lee encourages drivers to obey the rules and pull over when they encounter emergency vehicles, labourers, or stalled cars on the side of the road.
“Some drivers are too fast or not paying attention, creating unnecessary risks,” according to Lee.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to be cautious, plan ahead, and make the roadways safer for all. Drivers should expect to see increased law enforcement on the roadways in April as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
