Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) — A police pursuit turned critical on Friday, March 21, 2025, when a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe fleeing the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office collided head-on with a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado on State Highway 32 near Mile Marker 107 in North Township, Pennington County.
The driver of the Tahoe, Michelle Marie Holter, 50, of Thief River Falls, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Sanford ER in Thief River Falls. Authorities confirmed she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Alcohol was not a factor.
The driver of the Silverado, Dale Jeffrey Westerlund, 48, of Thief River Falls, and his passenger, Dustin Ray Holmstrom, 42, of Newfolden, were both uninjured. Both were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol was not involved.
The pursuit and crash prompted responses from multiple agencies, including the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Thief River Falls Police and Fire Departments, and Sanford Ambulance.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
Did you know?
- The fleeing driver, Michelle Marie Holter, sustained life-threatening injuries.
- The crash occurred on dry road conditions along Highway 32 near Mile Marker 107.
- The Silverado’s occupants, Dale Westerlund and Dustin Holmstrom, were uninjured and compliant with seatbelt use.
- No alcohol was involved for any party.
- Agencies involved: Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Thief River Falls PD & FD, Sanford Ambulance.