Juvenile girl dies after crashing during police chase in Itasca County

In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, a juvenile girl was killed following a police pursuit in Itasca County after she was pulled over for driving without headlights. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop the vehicle around 1:30 a. m. , but the driver fled for approximately four miles before crashing near Hwy. 6 and County Road 11.

The girl, the only occupant in the car, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, which contributed to the severity of the crash. Authorities have stated that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident. Currently, police are working with the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the victim and notify her family of the tragedy. Sheriff Joe Dasovich expressed heartfelt condolences to those impacted by the loss and emphasized the importance of privacy during this difficult time. This incident raises concerns about the safety measures taken by young drivers, especially regarding seat belt usage.

It also highlights the implications of police pursuits and the potential dangers involved for both officers and civilians.