Squad crashes into building, sparking fire

Ramsey County Sheriff's squad car
A Ramsey County Sheriff's squad car burns after a crash in Vadnais Heights, Minn. on Thursday, May 29, 2014.
Photo courtesy firehouse.com

A crash involving a Ramsey County Sheriff's deputy last night sparked a raging gas fire that burned for hours in a St. Paul suburb last night.

"The deputy heading west bound on Willow Lake Road in Vadnais Heights left the road and hit a commercial building, hitting a gas line and erupting into flames. The deputy was able to get out of the car unassisted and didn't appear to have any injuries," said Randy Gustafson, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The accident happened just before 10 p.m. last night. The deputy was taken to a hospital. The squad car was a total loss and the building suffered some fire damage. The Sheriff's office says the squad car was trying to make a turn at the intersection and missed, and that the squad's lights and sirens were activated.

Police say they are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.