Bemidji Squad Car Strikes Pedestrian
BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A police squad car struck a pedestrian early Wednesday in Bemidji.
The crash happened near Irvine Avenue and 18th Street Northwest.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported the collision at about 1:12 a.m. on July 15, 2026.
A Bemidji Police Department officer was driving north on Irvine Avenue before the crash.
The officer was conducting follow-up work connected to an earlier case.
Officials said the squad car was operating in normal, non-emergency mode.
Pedestrian Seriously Injured
The squad car struck Michael Anthony Brown, 36, of Duluth.
Authorities said Brown was in or near the middle of the roadway.
Police also reported that Brown was wearing dark clothing at the time.
The officer and other emergency workers gave Brown immediate medical care.
Brown was taken to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.
The State Patrol listed his injuries as life-threatening.
Officer Was Not Injured
The officer was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer owned by the Bemidji Police Department.
The officer was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.
The vehicle’s airbag did not deploy during the collision.
The State Patrol said alcohol was not suspected for the officer.
The preliminary report said alcohol was suspected for Brown.
That finding remains part of an active investigation and is not a final determination.
State Patrol Investigating
The road was dry when the crash happened.
Bemidji police, firefighters, ambulance crews, and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded.
The Minnesota State Patrol is leading the investigation.
Officials have not released more details about what led to the collision.
The investigation remains open. Additional information may be released after investigators complete their review.
I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
