Suspect Charged After High-Speed Chase Ends in Fatal Crash
Authorities have charged a man after a police pursuit in Ramsey County on Dec. 13 ended in a crash that claimed the life of another driver.
Nicholas John Price, 37, of Roseville, faces charges of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle resulting in death and criminal vehicular homicide.
Earlier that evening, a 911 caller reported that Price had physically assaulted her, shoved her against a wall, and threatened to set her on fire. Officers responded, and began searching for Price.
The pursuit began around 10:23 p.m. after Price was spotted by Roseville police on County Road B West, near Dale Street. Price fled when officers initiated a traffic stop, and was able to evade an attempted PIT maneuver.
YouTube: Police Chase Ends in Fatal Maplewood Crash
Ramsey County deputies joined the chase as Price drove erratically, including traveling into oncoming traffic. The Tahoe eventually collided with a Toyota Corolla near Edgerton Street and Bellwood Avenue in Maplewood. The Corolla’s driver, a 61-year-old man, was critically injured and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The crash was captured on video by a nearby vehicle, showing Price’s Tahoe speeding south on Edgerton at an estimated 80-90 mph before striking the Corolla, which was turning left. The speed limit in the area is 30 mph.
Officers reported that Price, who suffered a broken leg in the crash, admitted to fleeing out of panic, stating, “I don’t know why I took off. It was my instinct.” He expressed regret, saying, “I hope to God the people I hit are okay or not dead.” Price became emotional when investigators informed him that the other driver had died and then asked if he would be released within 48 hours to spend Christmas with his children.
PREVIOUSLY: Ramsey County Chase Ends in Crash
Price admitted to taking an oxycodone pill and smoking marijuana earlier that day. Investigators obtained a blood sample for further analysis.
The criminal complaint details Price’s extensive criminal history, including three prior felony convictions and three open felony cases in Ramsey County for theft, assault, and multiple counts of motor vehicle theft. Despite multiple violations of his conditional release terms, Price has been repeatedly released after claiming participation in a treatment program.
KSTP-TV reports Price has been arrested or charged 38 times in the last 14 years, ranging from illegally carrying a firearm, burglary, felony domestic assault, fleeing and drunk driving.
Price remains in custody on $500,000 unconditional bail. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison for the fleeing charge and 10 years for criminal vehicular homicide.
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