safety
Bemidji police squad hits, seriously injures pedestrian
By Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 15, 2026
· 1 min read
A man suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning when a Bemidji police sergeant struck him with his squad car, the Minnesota State Patrol said.
According to a crash report, the squad, driven by Sgt. Robert Brogren, was headed north on Irvine Avenue when it hit a man who was in the ro...
Key takeaway The pedestrian, a 36-year-old from Duluth, was taken to Sanford Hospital Bemidji with life-threatening injuries.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
This incident raises questions about pedestrian safety in the region, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. While the investigation is ongoing, the fact that the pedestrian was suspected to have consumed alcohol prior to the crash may point to a need for increased awareness about the dangers of walking under the influence. The Minnesota State Patrol's involvement in the investigation ensures an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the crash. As the Bemidji community waits for more information, it will be crucial to examine the intersection where the incident occurred, Irvine Avenue, to determine if any infrastructure changes or enhanced safety measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The response from the Bemidji Police Department, once available, will also provide insight into their protocols and procedures for officer-involved accidents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning when a Bemidji police sergeant struck him with his squad car, the Minnesota State Patrol said.
According to a crash report, the squad, driven by Sgt. Robert Brogren, was headed north on Irvine Avenue when it hit a man who was in the ro...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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