Minnesota State Patrol

Pelican Rapids Woman Killed in Highway 59 Crash

A Pelican Rapids woman died in a Highway 59 crash in Otter Tail County. A Fergus Falls man was hurt, and alcohol was suspected for one driver.

A 30-year-old Rice man died after a Jeep left Highway 23 in Benton County and struck a tree and power box, according to the State Patrol.

A 31-year-old Bruno man died after multiple motorcycles crashed on Highway 61 near Two Harbors, sending riders into the southbound lane.

Jacob Lee Thatcher

Basro Hassan Abokar of Pelican Rapids was killed in a Highway 59 crash. Jacob Lee Thatcher now faces two criminal vehicular homicide charges.

Jeremy Francis Plonski

Former Minnesota trooper Jeremy Francis Plonski of Shakopee receives 27 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child abuse material.

Jacob Alexander Smagala

Jacob Alexander Smagala faces a felony criminal vehicular homicide charge after a fatal Highway 75 rollover near Perley, court records allege

David Allan Kruse

West Fargo man David Allan Kruse faces felony assault and weapons charges after an alleged handgun display on I-94 near Moorhead, court records say.

Bryan R. Johnson

Bryan R. Johnson, 37, was booked in Roseau County on August 26, 2026, on three gross misdemeanor DWI-related charges, jail records show.

Harold Ernest Green

Harold Ernest Green, 55, was booked in Moorhead on Aug. 25 on allegations of driving after revocation and giving false identifying information.

Chelsey M. Samson

Chelsey M. Samson, 39, was booked in Roseau County on DWI test refusal, third-degree DWI, and child neglect allegations. Bail was listed at $0.