Crookston Police Chase Leads to Six Charges
Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Steven Eric Johnson faces six charges after an alleged police chase through Crookston.
The charges include felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
Johnson also faces a gross misdemeanor, two misdemeanors, and two petty misdemeanors.
The incident happened September 7, 2026, according to a Polk County District Court complaint.
The case is filed as 60-CR-26-1321 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
Wrong-Way Driving Leads to Traffic Stop
Police first saw a white 2007 Ford Escape traveling south on North Broadway.
The complaint says North Broadway is marked for one-way traffic in the opposite direction.
The vehicle then made several turns through Crookston streets.
An officer activated emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop.
The Ford initially stopped between West Seventh Street and West Sixth Street.
However, prosecutors allege Johnson sped away as the officer approached the vehicle.
Pursuit Continues Through Crookston
Police activated emergency lights and a siren as the pursuit continued.
The complaint alleges Johnson increased his speed and refused to stop.
He allegedly drove the wrong way on several one-way streets.
Johnson also allegedly failed to maintain his lane and drove through a grass field.
The complaint says he made a U-turn through a divided median.
He also allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign on University Avenue.
Police say Johnson later drove over a curb near North Broadway.
The Ford became stuck, ending the vehicle pursuit.
Arrest Follows Pursuit
Johnson exited the Ford after it became stuck, according to the complaint.
Police ordered him to surrender.
A Taser was deployed during the arrest.
Prosecutors allege Johnson resisted as officers attempted to control his hands.
He was eventually placed in handcuffs.
Authorities then confirmed Johnson’s Minnesota driving privileges were canceled.
The complaint says the cancellation was classified as inimical to public safety.
Johnson was transported to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.
Six Charges Filed
Johnson faces felony fleeing under Minnesota Statute 609.487.
That count carries up to three years and one day in prison.
It also carries a possible $5,000 fine.
He faces driving after cancellation under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Johnson also faces obstruction and careless driving charges.
Two additional counts allege wrong-way driving and failure to stop at a stop sign.
The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.
Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Readers can search public cases through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
