Fleeing driver in Twin Cities crashed into parked vehicle, killing occupant, patrol says
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol says one person is in custody and a bystander is dead following a pursuit in the Twin Cities late Sunday evening.
According to the patrol, a trooper stopped a motorist for speeding just after 11:15 p.m. near Interstate 94 and Marion Street in St. Paul. However, after coming to a brief stop, the driver sped off, with troopers in pursuit.
The ground pursuit was discontinued, but a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter was later able to locate and follow the suspect vehicle.
As the helicopter monitored overhead, the patrol says the suspect crashed into a parked car in the parking lot of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, fatally injuring the occupant inside. The state patrol later identified the victim as 36-year-old Day Por Tho of St. Paul.
The suspect, a 28-year-old man from Minneapolis, fled on foot. Authorities say they used a Taser on the man before arresting him and booking him into the Ramsey County Jail. He was formally charged on Tuesday with one count each of fleeing an officer and criminal vehicular homicide.
"The entire Gustavus Adolphus community holds them and their family in our prayers following this horrific tragedy," the church said in a statement Monday.
In September, the man allegedly crashed his vehicle and ran from Minneapolis police, according to Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher
Court records show the man was convicted of second-degree attempted murder in Oct. 2014 and sentenced to just under 10 years in prison. In 2022, he was convicted of possession of a firearm.
The investigation is ongoing.
