Man, 22, Charged In Crash That Killed Man, Baby
ST. CLOUD (WCCO) -- A 22-year-old Waite Park man has been charged in a police chase that resulted in the death of another motorist and seriously injured a pregnant woman, who lost her baby Monday.
On Monday, the Stearns County Attorney's Office charged Timothy Richard Gilles with fleeing a police officer in motor vehicle resulting in death. His bail was set at $1.5 million without conditions and $750,000 with conditions.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 15, Gilles was heading north in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Highway 15 in St. Cloud when officers tried to pull him over. Police said he then fled away really fast in his vehicle, traveling west on 2nd St. South, but in the eastbound lanes of the road.
An assisting Waite Park officer chased the vehicle for about a half mile, where Gilles' Jeep t-boned another vehicle at the intersection of 2nd St. South and Waite Ave.
A 30-year-old driver of that car, identified as Timothy Martin Casanova of Starbuck, Minn., was killed in the impact. The 22-year-old passenger, Megan Irene Thomsen, who was 8 months pregnant, was also seriously injured.
After the crash, Gilles fled on foot. Officers caught up to him, tasered him and were able to arrest him.
He was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and was later taken to the Stearns County Jail.
Thomson and her unborn baby were taken to St. Cloud Hospital where they were listed in serious but stable condition. The baby, who was born by C-section, died Monday, according to the Attorney's Office.
The mother's condition is currently unknown.
An investigation continues and additional charges may be filed at a later date, according to the Attorney's Office.
If convicted, Gilles could face up to 40 years in prison and an $80,000 fine. His next court appearance is set for May 2, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.
