3 dead in 2 separate crashes in Stearns County Monday

WAITE PARK, Minn. (KMSP) - Three people are dead following two separate crashes in Stearns County, Minnesota Monday.

The first crash occurred at 12:51 p.m near Kimball. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling westbound on Highway 55 near 123rd Avenue when it collided head-on into the left front tire of a Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. 

The motorcycle driver, identified as Sheri Tilley, 56, of Lakeville, was killed in the crash. The 25-year-old driver of the pickup truck was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Two people also died after a wrong-way crash in Waite Park Monday evening. 

The two victims were identified as Richard Tomlinson, 61, of Grantsburg, Wisconsin and Roger Nelson, 77, of Clearwater. According to Waite Park Police Chief David Bentrud, Nelson was test driving Tomlinson's El Camino trying to decide whether to purchase it. 

The crash occurred at 7:15 p.m. A car driven by Charles Barnett, 28, of St. Cloud was driving westbound in the eastbound lane of Division Street West near 4th Avenue South when it collided with Tomlinson's car traveling east, according to the Waite Park Police Department. 

Tomlinson was declared dead at the scene and Nelson died later at St. Cloud Hospital, according to Bentrud. 

Barnett was transported to the hospital where he is guarded by officers. 

Bentrud added Barnett's charges could include criminal vehicular operation of a motor vehicle, reckless driving and an order for protection violation. 

Currently, the Minnesota State Patrol is assisting in the reconstruction of the crash and awaiting Barnett's blood toxicology results, which could lead to further charges.