White Earth, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A White Earth man died Friday, May 8, after fleeing from a Becker County deputy on an ATV, according to authorities.
Michael James Azure, 47, was found unresponsive in a wooded area south of White Earth. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began at about 2:11 p.m. Friday. A deputy was on patrol in White Earth at the time.
The deputy saw a man driving an ATV on the highway. The ATV was near the east intersection of County Highway 34 and County Highway 21.
Authorities said the deputy recognized the driver as Azure. The deputy also knew Azure’s driving privileges were canceled as inimical to public safety.
Brief Pursuit Reported
The deputy activated emergency lights. Azure then fled southbound onto Mission Road, according to the sheriff’s office.
A short pursuit followed. Azure later entered a gravel trail on the south side of White Earth.
The deputy lost sight of the ATV. The pursuit was then ended, according to authorities.
ATV Found Abandoned
Deputies found the ATV abandoned in a field south of White Earth at about 2:25 p.m.
They searched the area and later found Azure unresponsive in nearby woods.
Deputies started life-saving efforts right away. Additional emergency workers arrived and continued those efforts.
Azure was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The cause of death remains under investigation.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office is handling the case.
Additional information may be released after the medical examiner completes its review.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
he should’ve stopped
Drivers license is not required for an ATV. I’ve seen a six year old driving one! Condolences to the family and friends.
Why is White Earth Police such control freaks? They are only men hiding behind a badges!
Cops ain’t even supposed to be pulling ATVs over anyways that’s why they have game warden’s…that’s bullshit and winter always harassing tf outta our people! Karma’s a b*tch jus like him tho!! Fr that’s so fkd up! Rip Mike Az
Maybe if he wouldn’t have ran he wouldn’t be pushing dirt
This chase shouldn’t have happened! The popo could’ve disengaged on the chase for his safety and others because if he didn’t have warrants or was wanted why chase him !?!? They knew who he was they could’ve went to his house instead of chasing a ATV!
Prayers for the family.
So Sad
Sending prayers to family
Come on now that sounds fishy. 🤔🤔🤔.
Sounds Like Becker County Is Guilty For Something 😕. The pursuit stopped and he was later found dead but not by his ATV??? It doesn’t take an rocket science to figure this out🤔.
Dan Warren sounds like a George Floyd case , laws only pertain to the common people, the rest think their privileged an have their own laws.
Becker county officials are some of the lowest i.q. ppl I’ve met. Because they r sooo much more lower i.q. than normal they r very dangerous. Ignorance like that is very dangerous. And us easily corrupted. F$&k Becker county and every single criminal that wears a tin badge. Your time is coming fools. You know who I’m talking to out there.
Wake up ppl. Those tin badge ppl in your area are criminals. Start standing up to them. No matter the cost!!!!!!!! No matter what. Change isn’t easy. Also take that county to trial every single time! Trust your peers. We have the power. Not these fake courts.
Nobody is tried and convicted during a traffic stop. Why do people run?
People that stick up for and Justify Abuse of police powers THIS has to STOP!!! A man’s life is not worth some dumbass ticket. This is not freedom it’s control issues. Don’t be okay with life ending tragically
sad…why in the hell would they keep pursuing him? Bet they knew exactly who he was. His blood is on their hands. A traffic pursuit is not grounds for death.
Prayers up for all. Journey well
Why chase him? He needed to die? Go to his house later and serve papers
Should have stopped.