St. Cloud, MN – A tragic high-speed pursuit ended in death Monday night when a 41-year-old man fleeing a police officer crashed near the St. Cloud State University campus, authorities reported. Another man was injured in the incident, which unfolded late in the evening.
High-Speed Chase on University Drive
According to St. Cloud Police, the pursuit began around 10:41 p.m. when an officer observed the motorist traveling 62 mph in a 30 mph zone on University Drive near Killian Boulevard. Police immediately attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the motorist refused to comply, prompting a pursuit.
The suspect continued westbound across the Mississippi River via University Bridge, at which point officers reportedly attempted to terminate the chase due to safety concerns, as per CBS News.
Dangerous Maneuvers on Campus
The motorist then entered a roundabout at Fifth Avenue South, going the wrong direction near Halenbeck Hall on the St. Cloud State University campus. He collided with a parked vehicle and subsequently slammed into a light pole in an apartment building parking lot.
Authorities confirmed that the fleeing driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupant of the parked vehicle sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Background on the Motorist
Police noted that the man’s driving status had been canceled due to prior driving violations. Officials have not released his identity, pending family notification. The reasons for fleeing from law enforcement remain under investigation.
The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting local authorities with the ongoing investigation.
Community Impact
The crash occurred in a busy area near the university, raising concerns about pedestrian and student safety. Police urge drivers and pedestrians in the area to exercise caution while investigators work to clear the scene and reconstruct the events leading to the fatal crash.
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