At least two people died and three others were injured Sunday night when a vehicle plowed into a crowded patio area at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, Minn., and the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide.
Several responders were dispatched to the chaotic scene at 3401 Louisiana Avenue just after 8 p.m. Sunday, where several people were reported to be injured, including one who was reported to be in cardiac arrest, and another who reportedly had a broken hip and femur, according to scanner audio.
Crime Watch Minneapolis obtained several video clips from the scene from bystanders that showed a massive emergency response and an area taped off that appeared to be strewn with debris.
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More from St. Louis Park where a vehicle plowed into a patio crowd at Park Tavern. pic.twitter.com/6kXtvVjrGm— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) September 2, 2024
The St. Louis Park Police Department released a statement later Sunday stating two people had died, three others were injured, and the suspect was taken into custody:
“On Sept. 1, 2024, just after 8 p.m., St. Louis Park police and fire personnel responded to a reported incident at Park Tavern, 3401 Louisiana Ave. S., St. Louis Park, of a vehicle being driven into the outside patio area. Two people are dead with three injured. Surveillance footage shows the male driver entered the Park Tavern parking lot and did not enter Park Tavern. He attempted to park, then drove into the outside patio at Park Tavern. The male driver is under arrest for criminal vehicular homicide. The Minnesota State Patrol is on scene doing accident reconstruction. Other assisting agencies include the Hopkins, Minnetonka and Wayzata police departments and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. The scene remains active and anyone with information is asked to call 952.924.2618. This is an active and ongoing investigation of the St. Louis Park Police Department. Additional updates will be provided as more information is available.”
Jail records just after midnight night showed Steven Frane Bailey, 56, being held on a probable cause charge of criminal vehicular homicide. Bailey appears to have a history of DWI convictions, according to Minnesota court records.
Park Tavern posted on Facebook late Sunday night stating the business would be closed until further notice.
“Following the tragic incident on our patio Sunday night, Park Tavern will be closed until further notice as we support and care for our staff and neighbors. Thank you for your understanding and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.”
Park Tavern said Monday that staff member Kristina Folkerts, a mother to three young girls, was killed in the incident. A GoFundMe has been started to help support her family.
Alpha News will continue to follow developments in this incident.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
