CHARGES: Fugitive Fleeing Police Caused Fatal Saint Paul Crash
Authorities have charged a man after a high-speed chase in Saint Paul late Sunday night resulted in a fatal crash.
Authorities say 28-year-old Lorenzo Leontay Washington, of Minneapolis, is now charged with fleeing a police officer resulting in death and criminal vehicular homicide, both felonies.
According to the complaint filed in Ramsey County, the pursuit began on December 8 at 11:18 p.m. when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper observed Washington speeding at 86 mph in a 55 mph zone on eastbound I-94 near Pascal Street. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but Washington fled in his Toyota Camry, leading officers on a chase through I-94, I-35E, and Larpenteur Avenue.
During the pursuit, Washington reportedly drove at speeds exceeding 100 mph, disregarded traffic signals, and drove recklessly through intersections. Near the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and Parkway Drive, Washington lost control, crashing into a parked Mazda 3 in a parking lot near Arcade Street.
Washington’s criminal history includes a 2014 conviction for attempted murder and a 2022 charge for possession of a firearm. In a separate incident in Sept. 2024, Washington allegedly fled from Minneapolis police during a pursuit, crashing his vehicle and escaping on foot. Charges in that case are still pending.
Washington had an active warrant for a parole violation at the time of the pursuit.
PREVIOUSLY: High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Fatal Crash in Saint Paul
Washington suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Regions Hospital after the Sunday night crash. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Washington was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and possible involvement of alcohol or drugs remains under investigation. A blood sample was taken as part of a search warrant.
The victim, 36-year-old Day Por Tho, from Saint Paul, was inside a 2012 Mazda 3 sedan parked near Arcade Street & Larpenteur Avenue East when it was struck during the crash. Officials confirmed that his vehicle’s airbags did not deploy.
The crash occurred after Washington allegedly fled a State Patrol traffic stop near Interstate 94 and Marion Street, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that reached over 120 mph. Ramsey County Deputies discontinued the chase shortly before the crash, with the State Patrol helicopter monitoring from above.
Washington fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended after deputies used a Taser. He remains in custody at the Ramsey County Jail in lieu of $400,000 bail. Washington faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Wednesday morning.
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