Chase ends in fatal motorcycle crash on I-35

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) - A police chase ended in fatal motorcycle crash on Interstate 35 southbound near Forest Lake, Minnesota around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

It all started when a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol clocked Samnang Doeun Lenh, of Oakdale, Minn., going between 130-140 mph on Interstate 35W south of Forest Lake, according to Captain Mike Hanson with state patrol.

The trooper tried to stop Lenh, but he fled at high speeds northbound on I-35W. State Patrol communications monitored the pursuit using the camera system.

As they neared Forest Lake, the motorcycle had a considerable lead, and the trooper lost visual contact and discontinued the chase. Dispatchers were able to continue monitoring, and a short time after, the motorcyclist exited from the freeway, re-entered and proceeded southbound.

According to Hanson, the trooper made contact with Lenh and again tried to stop him.

The motorcycle fled at high speeds and rear-ended a grain hauler semi truck. Lenh was then ejected and thrown into the right shoulder and pronounced dead at the scene.

The 36-year-old motorcyclist was driving a 2013 Yamaha Racer and was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

State Patrol located the semi driver later Tuesday afternoon and is continuing to investigate the crash. 

I-35 southbound was temporarily shut down at the scene, and it reopened early Tuesday evening.

Hanson said they do not yet know if alcohol or any other type of impairment is involved.