CASS COUNTY, MINNESOTA — A Pennsylvania semi-truck driver has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide after authorities said he fled the scene of a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 371 in northern Minnesota.
Timothy William Arthur Hall, 33, of Emlenton, Pennsylvania, is charged in connection with the death of 30-year-old Roy John Berger of Vadnais Heights.
The crash happened shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday on southbound Highway 371 near milepost 86, near the intersection with Highway 200 in Shingobee Township.
Motorcyclist Hit Cable Barrier and Was Run Over
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Berger was traveling southbound on Highway 371 when the semi-truck driver made a sudden maneuver onto the right shoulder.
Authorities said the motorcycle struck a cable barrier, and Berger was then run over by the rear of the semi-truck.
Berger died at the scene.
Hall was not injured.
State Patrol said alcohol was not considered a factor in the crash.
Witnesses Said Semi Driver Swerved Toward Motorcycle
According to the criminal complaint, witnesses told law enforcement that the semi-truck driver intentionally swerved onto the shoulder in an attempt to block the motorcycle from passing.
Witnesses said the semi made a quick move toward the shoulder, pushed the motorcycle into the cable barrier, ran over the rider, and continued driving without stopping.
Authorities said the semi-truck driver fled the scene after the crash.
Driver Later Stopped and Denied Crash Involvement
Law enforcement later located and stopped the semi-truck.
When investigators spoke with Hall, he allegedly claimed he had not been involved in a crash.
According to court documents, investigators found damage on the semi that was consistent with the crash.
Authorities also reported finding what appeared to be possible human fluids or remains on the semi’s mud flap.
Dashcam Video Reviewed by Investigators
Investigators said the trucking company later provided dash-camera footage from the semi-truck.
According to the complaint, the video showed Hall’s semi making a quick maneuver to the left to prevent the motorcycle from passing.
When the motorcycle attempted to pass on the right shoulder, the semi allegedly made another quick maneuver toward the cable barrier, causing the crash.
Investigators said the semi crossed rapidly over the solid white line toward the shoulder where the motorcycle and rider were later found.
Authorities noted that the roadway was clear of debris and that no hazard was present that would have required the swerving movements seen in the video.
Driver Held in Cass County Jail
Hall was arrested and booked into the Cass County Jail.
He is facing a criminal vehicular homicide charge.
The crash remains under investigation.
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