Driver Speeds From Cop, Crashes Into Apple Valley Home: Police

APPLE VALLEY, MN — A driver was jailed after speeding away from an officer and crashing into a townhome, according to police. On Sunday, just after 3 a.m., an Apple Valley police officer who was monitoring traffic on Cedar Avenue tracked a car going approximately 85 MPH in the 65 MPH zone.

The officer tried to catch up and pull the vehicle over, but the driver continued to accelerate away, authorities said.

The officer turned on his emergency lights, but the driver did not stop and made several "high speed turns," according to police.

Authorities say the driver, who was unfamiliar with the area, sped down westbound on on 145th Street and left the roadway at Hayes Road. The vehicle crashed into a townhouse, causing significant damage to it. The residents of the home were not injured, according to a news release.

The vehicle contained six people inside, some of whom suffered minor injuries.

A 17-year-old passenger was hospitalized due to a laceration.

The driver admitted to police he was driving away to avoid a speeding ticket, according to authorities. He is currently being held in Dakota County Jail pending several charges, police said.