Crash That Killed 5 Leads to Federal Indictment Against MN Man

Get our free mobile app

Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) - A federal grand jury in Minnesota has issued an indictment against a man accused of killing five people in a crash last summer

28-year-old Derrick John Thompson of Brooklyn Park is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm as a felon, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

“These federal charges underscore the seriousness of Mr. Thompson’s criminal actions. We will continue to take an aggressive stance against individuals who engage in armed fentanyl dealing and present grave danger to our community,” said U. S. Attorney Andrew Luger.

According to court documents, a State Trooper began following an SUV after observing the vehicle going 95 miles per hour on I-35W in Minneapolis and abruptly cutting across four lanes of traffic to exit the freeway at Lake Street. The documents also state the trooper did not activate emergency lights or attempt to initiate a traffic stop because of concerns that would cause the driver would continue to drive recklessly on city streets.

The charges say the driver of the SUV, later identified as Thompson, then sped through a red light without slowing down and collided at full speed with a small car traveling through the intersection. The four adults and a juvenile girl in the car were fatally injured in the crash, which occurred on June 16th.

The court documents say Thompson fled on foot before law officers arrived at the scene, but he was found sitting on the curb outside a nearby restaurant. He was then transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center to be evaluated for injuries.

Federal prosecutors say investigators learned that Thompson had rented the SUV at the Twin Cities airport about 30 minutes before the deadly crash. A search of the SUV led to the discovery of a black leather bag that contained a loaded pistol with an extended magazine, and three baggies that held more than 2000 fentanyl pills, 14 grams of powder fentanyl, 35 grams of cocaine, 13 MDMA pills, and a digital scale.

If convicted of the federal charges, Thompson could face a life sentence. He also faces criminal vehicular homicide charges in state court.