Man taken to hospital after road rage incident in Elk River

by Joni Astrup

Associate Editor

A 21-year-old Elk River man was taken to the hospital after a road rage incident escalated in Elk River.

Here’s how it unfolded, according to the man’s statement to Elk River Police.

The man, referred to as the complainant, said he was on his way to work southbound on Dodge Avenue in Elk River when he observed an Impala driving at a high rate of speed behind him. The vehicle began tailgating the complainant as he continued driving the speed limit. The complainant continued to the intersection of Fifth Street, and the Impala had attempted to pass on the right side of the vehicle. The complainant stated he drove east on Fifth Street to Line Avenue, then south on Twin Lakes Road to the stop light.

The Impala then pulled up next to him and the complainant shouted, asking if they knew how to drive. During the verbal exchange the complainant asked the other driver if they wanted to pull over and talk about the issue. Both vehicles then proceeded south on Twin Lakes Road and continued into the Walmart parking lot, stopping on the south side. Once in the Walmart parking lot, both drivers exited and a physical confrontation occurred.

The incident was reported to police at 9:52 p.m. July 7.

Police took a taped statement from the 21-year-old man and collected video evidence of the fight.

“During the initial investigation the victim passed out. Victim then was transported to Mercy Hospital,” according to the police report.

The matter is under investigation, according to Elk River Police Capt. Joe Gacke.