MINNEAPOLIS - The state troopers involved in Monday's car chase through a residential area of North Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, according to a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Doug Neville, a deputy director in the Office of Communication, said troopers are typically placed on leave in "significant" incidents as a matter of standard practice.
One trooper initially attempted to pull over a 27-year-old suspect for speeding on I-94 around 9:30 a.m. Monday, according to State Patrol, but the suspect fled and eventually drew a second squad car into the chase as it progressed into a neighborhood. The pursuit ended when the suspect slammed into a playground at Bohanon Park near an elementary school, at which point he attempted to run on foot before troopers pulled him into custody.
Minnesota State Patrol Capt. Jason Bartell told reporters a few hours after the crash that troopers appear to have followed pursuit protocol, which is outlined in this document reviewed by KARE 11.
The crash injured three children, State Patrol said, including two that were treated for life-threatening injuries at North Memorial Medical Center. The hospital has not released updates about their conditions because they are so young; they range in age from two to four years old.
KARE 11 is still awaiting an update from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office regarding any charges for the 27-year-old suspect. A spokesperson for County Attorney Mike Freeman said the office has been granted an extension until noon Wednesday to make a decision on charges.
The driver had a revoked driver's license, DPS spokesperson Neville said, and in fact had not held a valid license since the summer of 2014.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster continues to list the suspect in custody. The reasons for arrest, according to the jail website, include "criminal vehicular operation; bodily harm" and "fleeing a police officer."