Mendota Heights (trfnews.i234.me) – Dramatic traffic camera footage shows the exact moment a high-speed police pursuit ended in a violent multi-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, April 6, in Mendota Heights.
The pursuit originated in Dakota County, involving several cities and speeds exceeding 100 mph. Although ground units had discontinued the chase, the Minnesota State Patrol helicopter continued aerial surveillance, following the suspect vehicle through the metro area.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., the suspect vehicle slammed into another motorist and a marked Minnesota State Patrol squad car at the intersection of Highway 62 and Delaware Avenue.
🚧 Crash Shuts Down Highway 62
The collision prompted a large-scale emergency response, forcing law enforcement to close the eastbound lanes of Highway 62 while firefighters, EMTs, and crash investigators worked the scene.
The original reason for the pursuit, according to early dispatch traffic, was the suspect’s excessive speed.
🚑 Injuries & Status Updates
As of publication, authorities have confirmed:
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The State Patrol trooper struck in the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
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The conditions of the suspect and the uninvolved driver remain undisclosed pending further evaluation.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and criminal charges are expected to follow once medical assessments and evidence reviews are completed.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
🔍 Did you know?
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Minnesota State Patrol helicopters are routinely deployed during high-speed pursuits to reduce risk by allowing ground units to disengage.
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Pursuits involving 100+ mph speeds increase the likelihood of fatal or severe injury crashes by up to 40%, according to national highway data.
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Traffic camera footage has become crucial evidence in police investigations and trial proceedings.
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Highway 62 is a high-traffic corridor that connects several metro areas—crashes here often affect thousands of commuters.
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Police chase policies vary by agency, but aerial tracking is a common method used to continue surveillance without further endangering the public.