A police chase Tuesday night - that started in west Brainerd and ended in southeast Brainerd - left two Brainerd police squad vehicles damaged and the suspect in the hospital.
Lt. Brad Bordwell of the Minnesota State Patrol said the police pursuit started on Fourth Street and Washington Street in Brainerd, where police were attempting to pull over a 22-year-old man who had a headlight out on his Jeep. The suspect did not stop and fled from police just before 9 p.m. The suspect made his way east on Washington Street, went onto some side streets and then onto 13th Street Southeast. Bordwell said the suspect hit the first squad car near the railroad tracks on 13th Street Southeast and then hit the second squad car on 13th Street near Oak Street across from Lakes Printing. The suspect then crashed the Jeep.
Bordwell said the suspect was taken by North Memorial Ambulance to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries after which he would be put in custody. Bordwell said the suspect could face charges of fleeing police, property damage and possibly driving while intoxicated.
Agencies involved in the pursuit were the state patrol, the Brainerd Police Department and the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office. The Brainerd Fire Department was called to assist at the scene of the crash.
The police pursuit caught an audience as several people stood watching while police and emergency personnel worked the scene.
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Bailey Fisch, who lives on South Eighth Street, said he was at the Diamond House with friends when he heard sirens and saw police cars racing by. He said he and three friends hopped in their vehicle and followed the lights and sirens.
Jason Jones, who lives on Maple Street, said he saw the suspect hit the police squad car and then take off. Jones said he offered his bicycle to the officer to use.
"He looked like he needed some help," Jones said. "I was being a good citizen."
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.
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