SHERBURNE COUNTY, Minn. — Charges are likely to be upgraded against a Montrose man already facing serious consequences for allegedly causing a serious multi-vehicle crash while driving high in a stolen vehicle.
Prosecutors in Sherburne County have already filed seven felony counts against 21-year-old Bradley Johnson in the incident, which happened just off Highway 10 in Becker July 6. Those charges include criminal vehicular operation, fleeing a police officer and operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
Those charges could soon include criminal vehicular homicide, after the driver of a vehicle Johnson struck, Christopher Vyskocil, reportedly died of his injuries Monday. A post on a GoFundMe page started for Vyskocil's family says Chris "was fully restored and entered through the pearly gates."
"My family is absolutely devastated with this loss," reads a statement attributed to Vyskocil's wife Brittany. "Because Chris was the victim of such a horrendous crime, the process for justice is going to be lengthy and tedious. We’re going to need the love and support for the long haul. Hold your loved ones extra super close for me. Hug them, tell them you love them, and don’t let things from the past stop you from doing so. We have learned first hand just how truly short life can be."
Court documents say just before 3 p.m. on July 6, Minnesota state troopers and deputies from the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office were informed that a Dodge Ram pickup reported stolen in St. Cloud was headed eastbound on Highway 10. Squads observed the pickup and initiated a pursuit, with the person behind the wheel of the truck accelerating to speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Eventually, officers say the driver - identified as Bradley Johnson - turned off the highway and triggered a violent crash involving three other vehicles. Behind the wheel of one of those cars was 36-year-old Christopher Vyskocil of Becker, who suffered severe head trauma. Vyskocil was airlifted to a hospital with injuries that would eventually claim his life.
The drivers of the two other vehicles involved in the crash were not seriously injured.
Officers on scene said Johnson made comments indicating he had ingested heroin that morning. A piece of tinfoil with suspected drug residue and a burnt straw/tube was found in the pocket of his pants. A blood sample taken from the defendant is still being analyzed.
Preliminary evidence indicates Johnson entered the intersection of Highway 10 and Liberty Lane against a red light, causing the crash.
A search of Bradley Johnson's driving record reflects multiple citations in 2024 alone, ranging from driving after revocation to running a stop sign and not having proof of insurance. He currently has no driving privileges in Minnesota.
