Driver Sped Through I-35 Freeway Fence Into Trooper: MSP

LAKEVILLE, MN — A Minnesota State Patrol trooper and the driver of another vehicle were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash this afternoon in Lakeville. A state patrol squad (Ford Explorer) was traveling southbound on Kenrick Avenue near 205th Street. A 2012 Chrysler 200 was traveling northbound on I-35 in the right lane.

The Chrysler was reported to be driving at "a high rate of speed" on I-35 when it veered off the road to the right, went through the freeway fence and struck the trooper’s vehicle head-on, according to authorities.

The crash pinned the trooper down and he had to be extracted.

The driver of the Chrysler was identified as Wesley Paul Briggs, 29, of Lakeville. He was airlifted to North Memorial with serious injuries. It is not known if Briggs was wearing a seat belt.

The trooper is Sgt. Mike Krukowski, 35, of Oakdale. He was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. Sgt. Krukowski was wearing his seat belt, according to authorities.

The cause of the crash, including whether Briggs was impaired, is under investigation.

Lakeville police, fire, Dakota County Sheriff's Office, North AirCare, and Allina assisted in the crash.

Image via Minnesota State Patrol