Tragic events unfolded in Bemidji as a 19-year-old resident of the town lost his life in the aftermath of a high-speed motorcycle pursuit involving law enforcement on the night of Tuesday. The distressing incident, detailed in a press release by Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, transpired at around 11:20 p.m. on August 22.
It all began when a deputy was conducting routine patrol duties in Bemidji Township, heading east on Carr Lake Road Southwest. During this patrol, the deputy’s attention was drawn to a group of motorcycles making a westward turn from Washington Avenue South onto Carr Lake Road Southwest. The motorcycles promptly accelerated, swiftly reaching speeds exceeding 70 mph within a 55-mph zone.
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With emergency lights flashing and siren blaring, the deputy initiated a traffic stop in pursuit of the speeding motorcycles. This pursuit led them northward along Jefferson Avenue Southwest, with one motorcycle ultimately remaining in view. The individual operating the sole visible motorcycle was later identified as Tristan Secor, a 19-year-old from Bemidji.
As events unfolded, another deputy spotted the motorcycle, driven by Secor, traveling at an alarming speed surpassing 100 mph as it approached the U.S. Highway 2 overpass on Jefferson Avenue.
The pursuit continued, but as the motorcycle gained distance from the deputy, the scene grew increasingly chaotic. As the motorcycle reached the roundabout at Jefferson Avenue and Division Street, it vanished from the deputy’s sight. Shortly thereafter, the wreckage of a crashed motorcycle was discovered situated north of the roundabout. Deputies and a Minnesota State Patrol officer swiftly located Tristan Secor in a grassy area within the roundabout. Immediate efforts were made to administer life-saving measures.
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In light of the severity of the situation, emergency medical services and a medical helicopter were summoned; however, due to inclement weather conditions, the helicopter’s response was hindered. Tristan Secor was transported to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, where his tragic passing was pronounced.
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Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has been assumed by the Minnesota State Patrol, according to the released statement. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office received invaluable assistance from entities including the Minnesota State Patrol, Bemidji Police Department, and Bemidji Ambulance Service during this harrowing incident. The somber event serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in high-speed pursuits and the importance of safety in such circumstances.
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