07/12/2022
You can try to mind your own business and go about your day, yet it is still possible that someone else who is distracted, impaired, or in this case breaking multiple laws can destroy your life. 😢
No, I’m not recommending that we stop driving or doing what we need to do. We have to live our lives and not allow fear to overwhelm us. However, we need to be ready.
We need to drive defensive, stay alert, and pay attention vigilantly. Slow down, pay attention, and watch for ways to stay out of other people’s mistakes.
We need to be prepared to render aid in emergencies. You will likely be someone’s first responder or your own. Get some first aid training. Carry some emergency supplies with you. Be willing to step in the help if needed. Whether doing CPR, pulling someone out of the water, putting pressure on someone bleeding, putting out a fire, or holding someone’s hand, you can help! Be ready.
Practice spiritual fitness. One day we will all die. It may be from old age or a tragic accident. You probably won’t get a say in when or how it goes down. So before that day, say everything you need to say to your loved ones and make sure you have a strong relationship with Jesus. We will all need it on that day.
Our prayers go out to the innocent driver who was struck by the felon. I’m very sorry about the loss of your dog and I hope and pray you recover fully soon. 💔
Our condolences to the family of the accomplice who died. May there be justice served on the felon who made the tragic decisions that took your life.
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CHISAGO COUNTY, MN ( Police Department/Chisago County Sheriff’s Office)
Joint Press Release — July 11, 2022 @ 1:22 PM (Updated at 3:00 PM)
On July 11, 2022, at 10:48 AM, a call was received for a shoplifting that had occurred at the Cartfull retail store (5630 St. Croix Trail, North Branch). A loss prevention employee from Cartfull had obtained a license plate and vehicle description for the suspect(s) and provided that information to the Chisago County dispatch center.
Chisago County dispatch advised that the suspect vehicle was reported to be stolen out of Washington County. At 10:58 AM, a Wyoming police officer located the suspect vehicle on southbound I35 which then exited to East Viking Blvd. The suspect vehicle turned westbound on East Viking Blvd and continued into Anoka County. The Wyoming officer followed the suspect vehicle and waited for a Chisago County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy to initiate a traffic stop.
At 11:01 AM, a traffic stop was conducted and the suspects fled westbound on East Viking Blvd. At 11:02 AM, the suspect vehicle passed another vehicle near the Linwood Country Store and Pizza (21831 Viking Blvd NE). The suspect crossed a double yellow line on a curve and ultimately struck a passenger car traveling eastbound.
Immediately after the crash, both involved vehicles started on fire. The Wyoming officer and CCSO deputy extinguished the fires and rendered medical aid to the victim and suspects involved in the crash.
Both suspects were transported via Lifelink III helicopters to local trauma centers with critical injuries. The victim was transported via M Health ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.
Minnesota State Patrol and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office are conducting the crash investigation.
No further information is available at this time.
3:00 PM Update:
We have learned that the passenger in the suspect vehicle has died as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. In addition, a dog that was in the victim’s vehicle died in the crash. Names of those involved will be released at a later date pending notifications.
Neil D. Bauer, Ed.D.
Police Chief/Public Safety Director
