Perley Area: Smagala Charged in Fatal Highway 75 Crash

NORMAN COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Jacob Alexander Smagala faces a felony criminal vehicular homicide charge after a fatal rollover.

The crash happened early Sept. 3, 2026, on U.S. Highway 75 in Norman County.

Smagala, 23, is charged in court file 54-CR-26-272.

Prosecutors allege he drove negligently while under the influence of alcohol.

Passenger Killed in Highway 75 Rollover

The complaint says emergency crews were dispatched around 3:43 a.m.

Smagala initially reported that another vehicle struck his car before it rolled.

Investigators later reported finding no debris supporting a collision with another vehicle.

The passenger was missing when responders first reached the scene.

Smagala and the passenger’s mother had searched for him before emergency crews arrived.

The passenger was later found unresponsive in a field.

The complaint says he had been ejected from the vehicle.

Emergency responders performed CPR, but the passenger was pronounced dead.

The Minnesota State Patrol crash report lists the crash in Lee Township.

Jacob Alexander Smagala | Northwest Regional Corrections Center booking photo

The State Patrol says the vehicle was northbound before losing control and rolling into a ditch.

No police officer names are included in this report.

Alcohol Use Alleged After Crash

Investigators reported smelling alcohol while Smagala was receiving medical care.

The complaint says Smagala admitted drinking alcohol in Fargo before the crash.

He allegedly reported drinking four or five beers and some Four Loko.

Smagala said bright lights appeared to be coming toward him, according to the complaint.

He allegedly said he swerved left and then overcorrected into the ditch.

Investigators reported finding empty alcohol containers at the crash scene.

They also reported finding no paint transfer supporting the alleged contact with another vehicle.

Surveillance footage from Perley was reviewed during the investigation.

The complaint says no southbound traffic appeared after Smagala’s vehicle passed through the area.

Blood Test Results Were Pending

Investigators obtained a warrant to collect a blood sample from Smagala.

The complaint says the sample was collected after the crash.

Laboratory results were still pending when the criminal complaint was prepared.

The pending test result should not be treated as a confirmed alcohol concentration.

Felony Homicide Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Smagala under Minnesota Statute 609.2112.

The count alleges criminal vehicular homicide involving negligent driving while under alcohol’s influence.

A conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison.

A fine of up to $20,000 is also possible.

Those are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence against Smagala.

Charge Remains an Allegation

The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Smagala is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Custody information is available through the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.