High-Speed Fleeing From Troopers Ends in Fatal I‑694 Motorcycle Crash

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — A high-speed chase on Interstate 694 ended in tragedy Sunday evening when a motorcyclist fleeing law enforcement was ejected from his bike and killed in a collision, officials said. The crash underscores the grave dangers of high-speed pursuits on the Twin Cities freeway system.

The Incident

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a trooper observed a Harley‑Davidson motorcycle traveling at an estimated 107 mph on northbound Interstate 94, just south of the I‑694 interchange. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop using lights and sirens, the motorcyclist did not yield. Instead, he accelerated and attempted to merge onto eastbound I‑694 at high speed.

During the merge, the motorcycle crossed multiple lanes and collided with a 2019 Mazda CX‑5 traveling eastbound. The motorcyclist was ejected from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. The Mazda’s driver, a 52‑year-old woman from White Bear Lake, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The trooper’s squad car was not involved in the collision. The crash forced the closure of the affected stretch of I‑694 for over three hours.

Victim and Investigation

The motorcyclist was identified as 31-year-old Caylin Alan James Svendahl of South St. Paul. The State Patrol confirmed that his decision to flee at excessive speed directly caused the fatal crash. Investigators are continuing to examine factors including roadway conditions, helmet use, and any potential impairment or mechanical issues.

Broader Context

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of fatal crashes in Minnesota involving drivers or motorcyclists fleeing law enforcement. High-speed pursuits are widely recognized by police and traffic safety experts as inherently dangerous — not only to those fleeing but also to other motorists.

Minnesota typically records dozens of motorcycle fatalities each year, with speeding and collisions being leading causes. Officials continue to urge drivers to comply with traffic stops to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

The State Patrol’s investigation remains ongoing, and a full report is expected once all factors have been assessed.

MinneapoliMedia