MPD: Motorcyclist Dead After 2 Separate Crashes Involving Bus, Passenger Vehicle

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minneapolis police say a motorcyclist is dead after two separate crashes Thursday evening.

According to police, officers first responded at around 10 p.m. to the report of a crash involving a transit bus and motorcycle near 32nd Street East and Minnehaha Avenue. When officers arrived, they found the bus with damage from a crash, but there was no motorcyclist at the scene.

A preliminary investigation determined that the motorcyclist left the scene and later ran a red light at 35th Street East and Minnehaha Avenue. The motorcyclist then collided with a passenger vehicle.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and began performing life-saving treatment on the injured motorcyclist. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as 58-year-old Jefferey Sonczalla.

There were no other injuries.

Investigation into the crashes continues.