Juvenile Dies After Vehicle Pursuit, Crash In Itasca County

COHASSET TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a juvenile female died in a crash early Sunday morning during a police pursuit.

According to Sheriff Dasovich, a deputy saw a vehicle without its headlights on traveling westbound on County Road 63 in the area of County Road 271 around 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled, and the deputy initiated a pursuit, according to Dasovich.

The fleeing vehicle crashed in the area of Highway 6 and County Road 11.

The juvenile female driver was the only person in the vehicle.

“We are deeply saddened by this motor vehicle crash that resulted in the loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. We ask the public to keep those impacted in their thoughts and to respect the privacy of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” said Sheriff Dasovich

Dasovich said the driver was not wearing her seatbelt.  He said alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation.  The Minnesota State Patrol is also completing the crash reconstruction.