BEMIDJI — A 36-year-old pedestrian was struck by a police squad car early Wednesday, July 15.
Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin stated the crash occurred around 1:00 a.m.
The officer, Robert Brogren, 54, of Bemidji, was northbound on Irvine Avenue near 18th Street to perform follow-up work on a previous case when he collided with a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, identified by the Minnesota State Patrol as Michael Brown, 36, of Duluth, was reportedly wearing all black and standing in the middle of the street.
Mastin stated Officer Brogren and others rendered aid to Brown, who was later transported to the Sanford Bemidji hospital for treatment of injuries.
The Minnesota State Patrol reports that Brown's injuries are life-threatening, and they suspect he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance Service and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene.
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash.
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Contributed/National Weather Service Forecast Office DuluthWhile it is expected to cool off slightly on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, temperatures will stay high enough that additional heat advisories may be put in place. -
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Contributed/RDNE Stock project via PexelsPrairie Pines Childcare Center, the Northland Foundation and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation were awarded grants from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. -
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