3 Hurt When Driver Flees, Crashes Stolen Car in Saint Paul

May 24

*Near Birmingham St. and Nebraska Ave. on May 23.* ***MN CRIME PHOTO***

Three men were injured Friday when the driver of a stolen vehicle fled police and crashed into a tree in Saint Paul.

Just after 6:40 p.m., officers were behind a vehicle near Maryland Avenue and Johnson Parkway when they learned it had been reported stolen out of Minneapolis.

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Before officers could attempt a traffic stop, the driver fled at a high rate of speed. Police did not initiate a pursuit, a SPPD spokesperson said.

Shortly after, officers were waved down and found the stolen vehicle had crashed into a tree near Birmingham Street and Nebraska Avenue. The car came to rest on its roof against a house and another nearby vehicle was also damaged. One of the men had been ejected, while the other two occupants were trapped inside, police said.

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Saint Paul firefighters and paramedics were requested to the scene, and firefighters helped free the trapped passengers. All three men were taken to Regions Hospital by ambulance.

Authorities say the man who was ejected sustained serious injuries and required surgery. The other two men suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

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