Benton County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On the evening of January 30, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a two-vehicle collision occurred on Highway 15 at 18th Street NW in Sauk Rapids, Benton County. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2014 Buick Verano, driven by 51-year-old Steven Prescott Bairett of Sauk Rapids, was traveling northbound on Highway 15. Simultaneously, a 2023 Dodge RAM, operated by 45-year-old James Glenn Crayford of St. Cloud, was in the southbound left turn lane when the vehicles collided at the intersection.
The road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the incident. Both drivers had their airbags deployed. Bairett sustained non-life-threatening injuries but did not require transportation to a healthcare facility. Crayford was uninjured.
A passenger in the Dodge RAM, 44-year-old Jennifer Jean Crayford of St. Cloud, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Cloud Hospital for treatment.
Seat belt usage varied among the individuals involved. Bairett was wearing his seat belt, while neither James nor Jennifer Crayford were wearing theirs at the time of the collision. Alcohol was not a contributing factor in the accident.
The Sauk Rapids Police Department, Sauk Rapids Fire Department, and Sartell Police Department assisted at the scene. The Minnesota State Patrol is overseeing the investigation.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me