High-Speed Pursuit in Coon Rapids Leaves Four Hospitalized; Minneapolis Man Charged with Multiple Felonies

COON RAPIDS, MN 

What began as a routine traffic stop on a winter afternoon escalated into a high-speed pursuit that authorities say tore through Coon Rapids at nearly 130 miles per hour, ended in a violent multi-vehicle crash, and left four people hospitalized with severe injuries.

The driver, identified in an Anoka County criminal complaint as Tavontae Ty-ron Hudson of Minneapolis, now faces multiple felony charges that could carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if he is convicted on the most serious count.

The Traffic Stop That Turned Into a Chase

According to the complaint, officers with the Coon Rapids Police Department first observed a black Dodge Charger on February 7 turning northbound onto Springbrook Drive Northwest from Coon Rapids Boulevard Northwest. The vehicle did not display a rear license plate.

Police activated emergency lights and attempted to stop the Charger in the parking lot of the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Coon Rapids. Investigators say the driver instead accelerated sharply, initiating a pursuit.

What followed, authorities allege, was a dangerous sequence of evasive maneuvers through city streets.

Speeds Reaching 130 Miles Per Hour

Investigators state the Charger reached speeds approaching 130 mph. The vehicle allegedly ran multiple red lights and wove through traffic as officers pursued.

Police attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, but were unsuccessful. Officers later terminated the primary pursuit due to public safety risks. Another agency deployed spike strips, successfully puncturing the vehicle’s tires.

Even with deflated tires, authorities say the Charger continued at dangerous speeds before crashing near Hanson Boulevard Northwest and Main Street Northwest, striking two other vehicles.

Four Hospitalized With Serious Injuries

The impact left four people hospitalized.

According to investigators:

• Two occupants of the vehicles struck in the crash were transported for treatment. One sustained what authorities described as a possible broken back.
• One passenger inside the Charger suffered two broken hips and a broken wrist.
• Another passenger in the Charger sustained serious internal injuries.

Authorities have not released updates on the long-term medical conditions of the injured parties.

Three Flee on Foot

Following the crash, investigators say three males exited the Charger and attempted to flee.

The complaint alleges Hudson climbed out of the driver’s side window while two other occupants exited from separate doors. Officers quickly apprehended all three individuals nearby.

Investigators report that one of the Charger’s occupants confirmed Hudson was driving during the pursuit.

Stolen Vehicle and Modified Firearms Recovered

The criminal complaint states the Dodge Charger had been reported stolen earlier that day.

A search of the vehicle and surrounding area yielded three firearms:

• A loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun found under the driver’s seat. Authorities say it was equipped with a conversion device, often referred to as a “switch,” allowing fully automatic fire. The firearm had been reported stolen in Minneapolis in October 2021.
• A second handgun recovered from the back seat, also reported stolen.
• A third firearm located in a backpack outside the vehicle. Investigators say it had been modified for automatic fire but had not been reported stolen.

Under Minnesota law, possession of a machine gun conversion device is a felony offense. Federal law also strictly regulates fully automatic weapons and conversion devices.

Prior Conviction and Charges

Court records show Hudson was previously convicted of a violent crime in November 2023, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Prosecutors have charged Hudson by warrant with multiple felonies, including:

• Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition
• Possession of a machine gun conversion device
• Fleeing a peace officer resulting in substantial bodily harm
• Criminal vehicular operation
• Receiving stolen property

Under Minnesota statute, fleeing a peace officer resulting in substantial bodily harm carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Hudson remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

A Broader Context

The case underscores an ongoing concern among Minnesota law enforcement agencies regarding high-speed pursuits and the proliferation of illegal firearm conversion devices. Auto-switch modifications, which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons, have become increasingly common in criminal investigations across the state and nationwide.

For residents along Hanson Boulevard and Main Street Northwest, the events of February 7 left behind more than damaged vehicles. They left a reminder of how quickly routine enforcement can escalate into life-altering violence.

Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed against the other individuals involved.

MinneapoliMedia