Lake Elmo Man Charged After Madden’s Golf Cart Crash

Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Lake Elmo man faces a felony after a golf cart crash at Madden’s Resort.

Jed Andrew Helwig, 51, is charged with criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm.

Prosecutors allege Helwig caused the crash and then left the scene.

The May 30, 2026, crash injured Helwig’s wife, according to the criminal complaint.

Woman Found With Fractured Ankle

Law enforcement was called to Madden’s Resort around 6:50 p.m. for a reported golf cart rollover.

Officers found a woman lying near a fenced dumpster area.

A man was holding her injured right leg while emergency crews were called.

The complaint says her ankle appeared broken and she reported severe pain.

The woman said the golf cart had rolled and may have landed on her.

She was later taken to a hospital.

Doctors determined the ankle was fractured, according to information provided to investigators.

Investigators later spoke with Helwig by telephone.

Helwig acknowledged driving the golf cart, according to the complaint.

He said he was trying to drive around fencing near a dumpster.

The cart slid into the fence and injured his wife, Helwig reportedly told investigators.

When asked why he left, Helwig said a friend who was a doctor remained with her.

Helwig denied drinking alcohol before the crash.

Several witnesses later provided statements about the crash.

One witness said Helwig had been drinking alcoholic beverages for much of the day.

That witness also claimed Helwig discouraged people from calling 911 after the rollover.

Another witness reported seeing Helwig drinking before the crash.

A third person told investigators that Helwig had said he was too impaired to drive.

The complaint says two boys were riding on the back of the golf cart.

One boy reportedly suffered minor scratches and was shaken by the crash.

The filed complaint does not charge Helwig with DWI.

Prosecutors instead charged Helwig with leaving a collision that caused substantial bodily harm.

The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

The case is filed in Cass County District Court as 11-CR-26-975.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.2113 for criminal vehicular operation.

Minnesota’s duties following a collision are listed in Minnesota Statute 169.09.

The charge is an allegation and has not been proven in court.

Helwig is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.