Thursday night turned deadly at a busy White Bear Lake intersection when a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with an SUV at Highway 61 and Highway 96. Emergency crews shut down the crossroads while investigators documented the scene, and the rider was pronounced dead. Local troopers stayed on site late into the night as the state investigation got underway.
What Happened
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened just after 8:30 p.m. and involved a Harley‑Davidson motorcycle traveling north on Highway 61 and a Jeep Compass traveling south. The two vehicles collided at the junction of Highway 61 and Highway 96, FOX 9 reports.
Investigation and Legal Status
“The motorcycle rider died as a result of the crash,” the outlet reports. The SUV driver, a 63‑year‑old White Bear Lake man, was arrested on suspicion of DWI and booked into Ramsey County Jail on DWI and criminal vehicular homicide, according to FOX 9. Prosecutors had not yet filed formal charges while troopers continued their investigation.
Safety Context
Alcohol‑impaired driving remains a major factor in deadly crashes. NHTSA data show alcohol‑impaired fatalities made up roughly 32% of U.S. traffic deaths in 2022, and motorcycle operators were disproportionately represented among alcohol‑impaired drivers in fatal crashes. NHTSA also found that motorcycles accounted for a significant share of alcohol‑impaired drivers in fatal crashes in 2022. Local investigators said they will release more information as the case moves through Ramsey County Court.
What to Expect
Ramsey County prosecutors will review the troopers’ file before deciding whether to file formal charges in court. Officials said they expect to provide additional details as the investigation proceeds and court filings become available.
-2.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)