Authorities in Moorhead are investigating the cause of a crash that happened Monday afternoon to determine whether it was the result of alcohol use or a sudden medical emergency. Officials say they are waiting for a toxicology report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension before making conclusions.
The accident happened around 1:45 p.m. along 20th Avenue, between 6th Street and 7th Street South. According to police and the Minnesota State Patrol, a pickup truck struck a parked car before continuing down the road and slamming into a tree.
Neighbors who witnessed the incident said the truck appeared to be speeding before the crash. After hitting the tree, its tires kept spinning against the pavement, creating smoke. Witnesses grew concerned that the situation could quickly become dangerous, as spinning tires can overheat and catch fire, especially with a gas tank positioned close to the rear wheels.
One of the people who rushed to help was 82-year-old Larry Larson, a nearby resident. Larson said he saw the truck’s driver slumped with his foot still pressing on the gas pedal. Realizing how serious the situation could become, he immediately went to the driver’s aid.
“There was so much smoke from the wheels spinning on the concrete,” Larson explained. “I figured it was only a matter of time before the truck caught fire. And once tires catch fire, it spreads fast and it can be very hard to control. With the gas tank right between the wheels, it could have turned really dangerous.”
Larson added that the driver was conscious when he approached the vehicle. He stayed with the man until emergency responders arrived, offering comfort and reassurance.
“I rubbed his shoulder and kept telling him, ‘Help is on the way. You’re going to be okay. You’re breathing, and you’re going to get through this.’”
Moorhead Police officers assessed the driver at the hospital for a possible DWI (driving while intoxicated). However, after further medical checks, officials said there is reason to believe the crash may have been caused by a health-related issue instead of alcohol. They have not confirmed which scenario is more likely, stressing that the toxicology results will play a key role in determining the next steps.
Witnesses at the scene said the driver was taken away in handcuffs, leading some to assume he was arrested. However, Moorhead Police clarified on Tuesday that no one is currently in custody in connection with the incident.
The crash is still under investigation, and authorities have not released the identity of the driver.
For now, investigators continue to consider both possibilities — impairment or a sudden medical emergency. While law enforcement works to piece together what happened, residents like Larson say they are grateful the situation did not escalate into a fire or a more serious accident.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges first responders face in situations where it is unclear whether a driver is intoxicated or suffering from a health crisis. Police must balance public safety with ensuring drivers receive appropriate medical care when needed.
Larson, who stepped in without hesitation, said he did what anyone would hope a neighbor might do in the same situation. “I just wanted to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone and that help was right there,” he said.
Officials expect more clarity once toxicology results are available. Until then, the crash serves as a reminder of how quickly everyday moments can turn into emergencies — and how the actions of bystanders can make a critical difference.
