Victim ID'd In Fatal Crash Between Motorcycle & Mpls. Police Car
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The motorcyclist who died Friday after his bike collided with a police cruiser on its way to help out two wounded officers in south Minneapolis has been identified.
On Saturday, candles sat outside a church near the site of the accident on 26th Street and Blaisdell Avenue. The scene was so bad on Friday that it spurred an impromptu prayer service for motorcyclist Ivan Romero, who died in the crash.
Romero's bike hit the back of a Minneapolis squad car, which was speeding through a red light with its sirens and lights on en route to the scene of the police shootings.
The victim's Facebook page shows his love for his motorcycle and his love for his girlfriend, who was his passenger during the accident. She's now in satisfactory condition at Hennepin County Medical Center, and her identity has yet to be released.
Friends tell WCCO that Romero was a nice man, and was known for being responsible. Even though he will not ride again, the story of his journey is not over.
Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau made a statement Friday about the accident.
"This is a tragic situation for all involved," Harteau said. "I want to extend my sympathies to the motorcycle driver."
Romero's death has sparked some debate on WCCO's Facebook page over the speed of police pursuits.
Minneapolis Police say they want to be accurate when they do come out with details, which is why they say they will wait a few days.
