A tragic incident involving a motorcycle and a State Patrol vehicle is currently under scrutiny by Minneapolis authorities, following a fatal crash earlier this month. According to the Minneapolis Police, the collision took place at the intersection of Cedar Ave and 51st St E and has since claimed the life of the motorcycle rider, a young man in his mid-20s.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that the fatal crash occurred at around 4:00 P.M. on June 14, after troopers from the Minnesota State Patrol were initially in pursuit of the motorcycle. The chase was halted once the motorcycle exited the highway, yet the patrol maintained aerial surveillance using their helicopter. Even without the direct presence of law enforcement behind him, the motorcyclist collided with a marked State Patrol vehicle, as indicated by the police statement.
In the aftermath of the crash, the rider was quickly transported to HCMC with what were considered life-threatening injuries at the time. The gravity of the situation was confirmed when the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office informed the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) of the man's subsequent death. The identity of the motorcyclist, along with the official cause and manner of death, will be disclosed by the Medical Examiner's office at a later date.
The investigation into this incident has been delegated to the Minneapolis Police Traffic Division, which will take the leading role, with the Minnesota State Patrol handling aspects related to the pursuit itself. This delineation of duties aims to ensure a thorough examination of both the chase and, the subsequent collision. The Minnesota State Patrol is working in concert with MPD in piecing together the events leading up to the fatal outcome.
