By Crash News Writer 
St. Paul, MN (November 8, 2026) – Two men were killed early Saturday morning, November 7, after a vehicle fleeing a Ramsey County sheriff’s deputy crashed into a tree during a brief police pursuit in St. Paul. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before the driver lost control, causing both occupants to be ejected.
The incident began shortly after midnight near the intersection of Rose Avenue East and Burr Street. Authorities reported that a Ramsey County deputy attempted to stop an Acura, but the driver refused to pull over and fled from law enforcement.
According to sheriff’s officials, the pursuit lasted less than one minute and covered approximately one mile. During that time, the fleeing Acura reportedly accelerated to more than 100 mph while traveling through the area.
Investigators said the vehicle struck a dip in the roadway, causing the driver to lose control. The Acura subsequently crashed into a tree, resulting in a violent impact that ejected both occupants from the vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found two men who had been thrown from the car. One occupant was pronounced dead at the crash site, while the second was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite receiving medical care, the second man later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed that both occupants were killed as a result of the collision.
Law enforcement officials described the suspected driver as a 27-year-old man who had several outstanding warrants, including one related to fleeing police. The passenger was identified by age as a 29-year-old man.
Authorities have not released the names of either deceased individual. Officials also have not provided additional details about the outstanding warrants or the circumstances that led the deputy to attempt the initial traffic stop.
The crash occurred near New Beginnings Church, where members of the congregation were cleaning up damage Saturday morning. Church officials reported that the collision damaged windows and exterior lighting, leaving portions of the property in need of repairs.
James Carlson, the church’s senior pastor, described the incident as shocking and expressed sympathy for the families affected. Jeffrey Fenner, a church deacon, also shared his concern for the victims’ loved ones following the fatal accident.
The damage to the church property indicates that the collision affected more than the vehicle’s occupants. However, authorities have not reported injuries to anyone outside the Acura.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the attempted traffic stop, the pursuit, and the collision.
Officials have not released information about whether alcohol, drugs, mechanical problems, or other factors contributed to the crash. The reported high speed and loss of control after the vehicle encountered a dip in the road remain central details in the initial investigation.
Additional findings may become available as investigators review the vehicle’s movements, roadway conditions, and the actions of those involved.
Understanding Your Rights After a Fatal Police Pursuit Accident in St. Paul
Police pursuits can create dangerous situations when a fleeing driver travels at excessive speeds, particularly on city streets where intersections, curves, and changes in roadway elevation may affect vehicle control.
When a pursuit ends in a fatal collision, surviving family members may have questions about insurance coverage, legal responsibility, and whether compensation may be available.
Under car accident laws in Minnesota, individuals injured because of another person’s negligence may have grounds to pursue compensation. Families who lose a loved one may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim when the legal requirements are satisfied.
Anyone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near St. Paul should understand that the circumstances surrounding a police pursuit may create legal questions that differ from those involved in an ordinary traffic collision.
An official car accident report may help establish the sequence of events, including the location of the crash, the vehicle’s movements, and information collected by responding officers.
Can Passengers Recover Compensation After a Police Pursuit Crash?
Passengers injured during a police pursuit may have grounds to pursue compensation when another person’s negligent or wrongful conduct causes their injuries.
Unlike drivers, passengers generally do not control a vehicle’s speed, steering, or compliance with traffic laws. The fact that someone was riding in a fleeing vehicle does not automatically establish that the passenger was responsible for the driver’s actions.
In the St. Paul accident, authorities reported that the Acura carried two occupants. The suspected driver was a 27-year-old man, while the passenger was a 29-year-old man.
Both men died following the collision, but their circumstances may raise different questions when evaluating potential civil claims.
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system under Minnesota Statutes § 604.01. An injured person’s damages may be reduced according to their percentage of fault, and recovery is generally barred when that person’s fault is greater than the fault of the party against whom recovery is sought.
Whether comparative fault applies to a passenger depends on the passenger’s own conduct and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
People researching a car accident near me or a car accident near St. Paul should also understand that Minnesota is a no-fault automobile insurance state.
Under Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system, qualifying personal injury protection benefits may help cover certain medical expenses and economic losses following a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who caused the collision.
Minnesota generally requires at least $40,000 in basic economic loss benefits per person, divided between medical expenses and other qualifying economic losses.
However, eligibility, coverage limits, exclusions, and the availability of additional claims depend on the circumstances and applicable insurance policies.
Can Law Enforcement Be Held Responsible for a Pursuit Accident?
When a police pursuit ends in a serious collision, investigators may examine whether the officers involved followed applicable laws and departmental policies.
However, a fatal accident occurring during a pursuit does not automatically establish that law enforcement officers acted negligently or caused the collision.
Minnesota Statutes § 169.17 requires drivers to operate at speeds that are reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. Certain emergency vehicle operations are subject to specific statutory exceptions and requirements.
Minnesota Statutes § 169.03 addresses certain privileges available to authorized emergency vehicles under qualifying circumstances. These provisions do not eliminate every duty that may apply to emergency vehicle operators.
Claims involving law enforcement agencies can also involve governmental immunity and other legal protections under Minnesota law.
Determining whether a public agency may face civil liability requires examining the specific facts, applicable statutes, and the actions of those involved.
In the St. Paul collision, sheriff’s officials reported that the Acura driver fled from a deputy and reached speeds exceeding 100 mph. Authorities said the vehicle struck a dip in the roadway before the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
Officials have not released findings indicating that the pursuing deputy violated department policies or contributed to the collision through negligent conduct.
The investigation may provide additional information about the pursuit and the circumstances immediately preceding the crash.
What Happens When a Passenger Dies in a Single-Vehicle Accident?
When a passenger dies in a motor vehicle collision, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim if another person’s legally actionable conduct caused the death.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 573.02, a wrongful death action may be brought through a court-appointed trustee for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin when the statutory requirements are satisfied.
Recoverable damages may include qualifying financial losses and other damages recognized under Minnesota law, depending on the circumstances.
In the St. Paul accident, the 29-year-old passenger died after being transported to a hospital. The suspected driver also died, which may create additional questions concerning insurance coverage and the appropriate parties to any potential claim.
The death of a driver does not automatically eliminate every potential claim arising from a collision. Depending on the circumstances, claims may involve applicable automobile insurance policies or legal proceedings involving the deceased driver’s estate.
Minnesota generally provides six years for many negligence-based personal injury actions under Minnesota Statutes § 541.05. Wrongful death actions are generally subject to a three-year deadline from the date of death, with additional statutory requirements and exceptions.
Different deadlines may apply to claims involving government entities or other specific circumstances.
What Evidence Matters After a High-Speed Pursuit Crash?
Investigations involving high-speed police pursuits may require several types of evidence to establish what occurred before and during the collision.
Investigators may examine vehicle damage, roadway markings, the location of the tree, and physical evidence from the crash scene.
Available dashboard camera recordings, body camera footage, dispatch communications, and surveillance video may also help establish the vehicle’s movements and the deputy’s actions.
An official car accident report may document the responding officers’ observations, but additional accident reconstruction work may be necessary to determine the precise sequence of events.
In the St. Paul collision, authorities reported that the pursuit lasted less than one minute and covered approximately one mile. The Acura reportedly reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before striking a dip in the road and crashing into a tree.
Investigators may review the roadway conditions and available evidence to determine how the vehicle lost control.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Until additional findings are released, questions about the full circumstances surrounding the pursuit and potential civil responsibility remain unresolved.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects information reported by CBS Minnesota on November 7, 2026, including statements attributed to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. The fatal collision remains under investigation, and additional details may become available as authorities complete their review.
- Two men killed: One occupant of the Acura was pronounced dead at the crash scene, while the second died after being transported to a local hospital. Authorities described the suspected driver as a 27-year-old man and the passenger as a 29-year-old man.
- Pursuit began in St. Paul: A Ramsey County deputy attempted to stop an Acura near Rose Avenue East and Burr Street shortly after midnight. The driver reportedly refused to stop and fled from law enforcement.
- High-speed collision: Officials said the pursuit lasted less than one minute and covered approximately one mile. During that time, the fleeing vehicle reportedly reached speeds exceeding 100 mph.
- Vehicle struck a tree: Investigators reported that the Acura struck a dip in the roadway before the driver lost control. The vehicle then crashed into a tree, causing both occupants to be ejected.
- Nearby church damaged: Members of New Beginnings Church reported damage to windows and exterior lighting near the collision scene. Readers can review our frequently asked questions in Minnesota for additional information about accident-related claims.
- Investigation continues: The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the attempted traffic stop, pursuit, and fatal collision. Families seeking additional information can explore accident resources in Minnesota for further assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports and may change as investigators release additional findings. No determination of negligence or civil liability should be assumed from the circumstances described. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
Fatal police pursuit accidents can leave surviving families facing funeral expenses, lost financial support, and questions about what caused the collision. Minnesota law establishes specific requirements for wrongful death claims, comparative fault, no-fault automobile insurance, and potential claims involving public agencies. A Minnesota personal injury lawyer can review the available evidence, explain applicable filing deadlines, and discuss whether surviving family members may have grounds to pursue compensation.