St. Paul Police: Motorcyclist Killed In Crash After Fleeing Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Paul Police Department is investigating after a motorcyclist died in a crash fleeing an officer early Monday morning.

At 2 a.m. Monday, a St. Paul police officer on patrol witnessed a motorcycle driving recklessly westbound on Maryland Avenue East, approaching Arkwright Street.

When the officer attempted to stop the motorcycle for a traffic violation, the motorcycle turned southbound on Arkwright Street and accelerated away from the officer. The motorcyclist then lost the officer in a residential neighborhood.

The motorcycle was later located off the roadway near the intersection of Case Avenue East and Clark Street. The victim, who was found nearby, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Michael John Hagemann of St. Paul, according to the St. Paul Police Department's public information officer.

The investigation is focusing on what caused the crash and whether drugs or alcohol were factors.