Plea Deal in Pursuit Crash That Killed Teacher, Injured Husband
Prosecutors have secured a guilty plea from the man accused of fleeing police, causing a crash that killed a woman and left her husband critically injured.
Emily and John Gerding
Authorities say a Robbinsdale police officer initially spotted Quintin Leon Hudson, 21, driving a white Tesla over 50 mph in a 30-mph zone near 42nd Avenue North and Regent Avenue North on July 8, 2023.
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Despite the officer’s attempts at a traffic stop, Hudson accelerated, eventually reaching speeds between 70 and 90 mph through residential areas. He ran multiple stop signs, culminating in a high-speed collision with a minivan at the intersection of Orchard Avenue North and 36th Avenue North.
The driver of the minivan, 34-year-old Emily Gerding, was pronounced dead at the hospital, while her husband, John Gerding, sustained traumatic injuries, including brain swelling, and remained hospitalized for days in critical condition.
Both the crash victims were special education teachers at Coon Rapids Middle School and have two children.
When questioned after the crash, Hudson admitted he didn’t stop because he "didn't want to." He was found with $4,000 in cash and various checks and cards not belonging to him inside the rented Tesla. He was arrested and charged with fleeing a peace officer resulting in death, fleeing resulting in great bodily harm, and additional vehicular offenses.
Hudson pleaded guilty to one count of fleeing resulting in death and one count of fleeing resulting in great bodily harm. As part of the plea agreement, Hudson will be sentenced to 165 months or 13.75 years in prison.
“Emily should still be alive,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty in a written statement Monday. “This resolution holds Mr. Hudson accountable and is necessary to protect our community.”
Hudson previously posted a $300,000 bond and remains free until sentencing, which is currently scheduled for Dec. 12, 2024.
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