INJURY CRASH

Bemidji Township, Beltrami County, MN - On Wednesday, January 31st 2024 at approximately 7:00AM the Beltrami County 911 Communications Center received a report of a two vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Monroe Ave SW and North Plantagenet Rd at the Beltrami County/Hubard County line. Beltrami County Deputies and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, Deputies learned that the driver and sole occupant of a 2003 Chevrolet Envoy was trapped in his vehicle. Stephen Nelson (81) of Laporte, MN was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Sanford Hospital with injuries. The second vehicle, a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze was driven by Lonne Fricke (58) of Bemidji who was standing outside his vehicle checking on Nelson.

Deputies learned Fricke was travelling east on North Plantagenet Rd at highway speed. Fricke reported the Chevrolet Envoy was travelling north on 229th Ave and did not stop for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection at North Plantagenet. The crash scene reflected this account. Fricke reported minor injury and was checked by ambulance personnel but not transported.

This matter is under investigation by the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office. Driver impairment does not appear to be a factor. The injuries and condition of Nelson is not known.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance Service and North Country First Responders.

-Jason Riggs

Beltrami County Sheriff