A 37-year-old man from Willmar, Minnesota, was seriously injured after what began as an illegal deer hunt turned into a dangerous high-speed chase and a violent crash on Thursday evening.
According to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started in Burbank Township, a rural area north of New London and Spicer. Deputies were called out after receiving a report that someone had illegally shot a deer from a vehicle—a serious wildlife violation under Minnesota law. By the time officers and a conservation officer from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene.
Roughly 30 minutes later, authorities spotted a vehicle speeding past them in the dark with its lights turned off. Deputies quickly recognized it as matching the description of the suspect’s truck. When they attempted to stop the driver, he refused to pull over and instead accelerated, sparking a high-speed chase that covered about two miles through the rural roads of Kandiyohi County.
Investigators said the pursuit reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, making it extremely dangerous for both the suspect and the pursuing officers. The chase ended when the driver lost control of his truck in Roseville Township. The vehicle rolled several times before coming to rest on the roadside, leaving debris scattered across the area.
Despite the severe crash, the man was able to get out of the truck on his own. Deputies arrested him shortly after and called for medical assistance. Emergency responders transported him to CentraCare Hospital in Paynesville, where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The sheriff’s office said that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working with local investigators to piece together exactly what happened that night. They are looking into several possible charges, including poaching, fleeing law enforcement, and reckless driving. Authorities also plan to review whether alcohol or other substances played a role in the incident.
Officials emphasized that poaching—hunting animals illegally, especially from a vehicle or without a proper license—is a serious crime in Minnesota. Beyond being unethical, it endangers wildlife and often leads to risky situations like Thursday’s chase. The sheriff’s office reminded the public that anyone who witnesses illegal hunting or suspicious activity should report it immediately rather than attempt to intervene.
As of Friday, the man’s name had not been released, and no formal charges had yet been filed. The truck involved in the crash was heavily damaged and towed from the scene for further examination.
Authorities said they were thankful that no one else was injured during the chase, noting that the outcome could have been far worse given the high speeds and nighttime conditions. The investigation remains ongoing.
