Medina Teen Charged After High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Crash in Mendota Heights
UPDATE: A high-speed police pursuit that ended in a multi-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, April 6, 2025, in Mendota Heights has resulted in criminal charges against a 19-year-old Medina man, according to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
Taylor Ryan Knollenberg, of Medina, has been charged with two criminal offenses stemming from the April 6th incident:
Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Bodily Harm – Gross Negligence (Gross Misdemeanor)
The pursuit began shortly after 12:30 a.m. when an Inver Grove Heights Police officer observed a vehicle traveling at high speed—approximately 50 mph in a 35 mph zone. When the officer attempted a traffic stop using emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle accelerated to an estimated 80 mph, later reaching speeds of 100 mph while driving without headlights. Officers decided to terminate the pursuit out of safety concerns and instead maintained a distance of approximately a quarter mile while a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter tracked the fleeing vehicle from above.
The chase ended at approximately 12:55 a.m. when Knollenberg reportedly ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 62 and Delaware Avenue in Mendota Heights and crashed into two other vehicles, one being a Minnesota State Patrol squad. Among the crash victims was one driver, who suffered visible injuries including bleeding from the mouth, a limp, and signs of confusion. That individual was transported to a hospital for further treatment.
Knollenberg was taken into custody at the scene and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert, who noted signs of impairment. A cannabis vape pen was reportedly found in the driver's side door of the suspect’s vehicle.
Knollenberg is currently being held had Dakota County Jail with a $40,000 bail with no conditions or $30,000 bail with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the Dakota County Courthouse in Hastings, Minnesota.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the condition of the crash victims or whether additional charges may be filed.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
ORIGINAL STORY - DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA—We’re working to confirm the details about a police pursuit early Sunday morning that appears to have tracked through several Dakota County cities, including Eagan, West St Paul, Mendota Heights, and Inver Grove Heights, and ended in a multi-vehicle crash involving a Minnesota State Trooper near Highway 62 and Delaware Avenue in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Speeds during this pursuit reached up to 100 mph at times.
The pursuit ended in a crash at the Highway 62 and Delaware Avenue intersection around 12:55 a.m. The crash reportedly involved up to three vehicles: the suspect’s vehicle, a Minnesota State Patrol squad car, and another vehicle believed to be driven by an uninvolved motorist.
The extent of any injuries has not been released at this time. According to officials with the Minnesota State Patrol, the pursuit investigation is being led by the Inver Grove Heights Police Department, and the Mendota Heights Police Department is leading the crash involving the State Trooper. We have reached out to both agencies for more information and will provide an update once we know more.
Written by: Will Wight
