A wrong-way driver in a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV caused a head-on crash on Highway 2, just East of the Eckles Rd. intersection at approximately 8:40 PM. Beltrami County Sheriff's Office began receiving 911 calls from citizens reporting the Tahoe driving southbound in the northbound lanes approximately 4 miles north of Bemidji. The dispatch center received at least 15 calls reporting the driver as he progressed from 89 onto Highway 2, going east in the westbound lanes.
The driver ran numerous vehicles off the road before striking a westbound vehicle and then crashing head-on into a second westbound vehicle. A Beltrami County Deputy responding to the complaints also struck the vehicles which were blocking the westbound lanes of highway 2. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle struck by the suspect were severely injured and transported to Sanford Health ER. The passenger was Life Flighted to Fargo. The Beltrami County Deputy was treated at the ER and released.
The suspect in this case was arrested and is being held at the Beltrami County Jail on Criminal Vehicular Operation Charges. Names are being withheld pending notification of family members.
The investigation is being conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol with assistance from Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Questions should be directed to the State Patrol at 1-218-681-0942.
Submitted by:
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Communications Supervisor/
Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriffs Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-333-8320 or fax 218-755-9322
Pager: 218-759-7560
beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us
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