Pelican Rapids: Jacob Thatcher Charged in Fatal Crash

Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) — Jacob Lee Thatcher faces two charges following a fatal September 6 crash.

Thatcher, 25, was listed in custody records on September 8, 2026.

The most serious charge is felony criminal vehicular homicide.

He also faces a misdemeanor careless driving charge.

Fatal Highway 59 Crash

The crash happened at 4:50 p.m. on Highway 59 in Erhards Grove Township.

The location was about five miles south of Pelican Rapids.

The Minnesota State Patrol said Thatcher was driving a 2015 Volkswagen Passat southbound.

Basro Hassan Abokar, 51, was driving a 2004 Buick Regal northbound.

The two vehicles collided on Highway 59.

Abokar, of Pelican Rapids, died from her injuries.

Jacob Lee Thatcher booking photo

Thatcher suffered injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

He was taken to a Fergus Falls hospital for treatment.

The State Patrol listed the road as wet.

The crash report also listed alcohol as suspected for Thatcher.

The felony count cites Minnesota Statute 609.2112, subdivision 1(a)(2)(i).

The charge alleges negligent vehicle operation while under the influence of alcohol.

Minnesota law allows up to 10 years in prison after a conviction.

The law also allows a fine of up to $20,000.

Those are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence for Thatcher.

Thatcher also faces misdemeanor careless driving under Minnesota Statute 169.13.

The law covers careless vehicle operation that endangers people or property.

The booking information lists both charges as active.

No police officer names are included in this report.

The charges remain allegations.

Thatcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Charges can change as prosecutors review evidence and court proceedings continue.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.