By Bill Morgan

 

A police chase through Becker last Friday night tragically resulted in the death of an 18-year-old man from Dassel.

Jason Jerome Rothmeyer, 38 of Clear Lake was leaving a Becker restaurant Friday evening at around 7:45 p.m. An unidentified observer took note of an intoxicated male entering a vehicle in the parking lot of a Becker Restaurant. That observer made a call to police and a BPD officer arrived on scene as the driver pulled onto Co. Rd. 23 (Sherburne Ave.) and neared Edgewood Street.

The police officer discerned the driver was swerving numerous times and attempted to stop the vehicle with lights and sirens. However, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee the officer at a high rate of speed.

Sherburne County deputies joined in the pursuit almost immediately and at one point, a deputy was nearly struck by Rothmeyer’s car north of 91st Street.

As Rothmeyer continued east, his vehicle entered Hwy. 25 at 82nd Street where he struck a vehicle that was towing another vehicle in southbound traffic.

Following the crash, Rothmeyer fled his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was eventually apprehended by pursuing officers.

The vehicle hit by Rothmeyer contained three individuals — one was ejected from the vehicle and transported by air helicopter to North Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The next day, it was reported, 18-year-old Kyle Scott Foley passed away due to his injuries.

The other two passengers were transported to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Rothmeyer was arrested at the scene and transported to Sherburne County Jail for charges including fleeing in a motor vehicle, fourth degree DUI and criminal vehicular operation resulting in death. Charges are pending in Sherburne County.

The incident is still under investigation.

The Becker Police Dept. was assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, Sherburne County Sheriff’s Dept., Big Lake Police and the Becker Fire Dept.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Becker Police Dept. at 763-200-4267.