New Information on crash in Crookston

Crookston, MN (WDAY TV) --We are learning new information into that fatal crash in Crookston involving a stolen police car.The victim is identified as 78 year old Eddie Briggs of Thief River Falls. His body has been taken to Ramsey County for an autopsy. Briggs' wife, Patricia, is in fair condition at Riverview Hospital. Another suspect is under arrest.

Tim Motherway: "well we're taking this very, very hard. This is a tragic incident that occurred here. We feel terrible for the loss of life in this situation and we intend on holding the person accountable for this."

That person is 23 year old Ricardo Mello of Crookston. Mello and 42 year old Carlos Romero Junior are both behind bars. Police say the two were behind the V-F-W in Crookston pounding on a person's car claiming they were owed money.

Motherway: "suspect Carlos Romero Jr. Had threatened to cut them and to kill them."

After being tased and maced, Mello escaped the officers and stole their squad car. Mello drove the stolen car at a high rate of speed about five blocks before losing control at South Main and old Highway 75, striking the driver's side door of the pickup driven by 78 year old Eddie Briggs of Thief River Falls.

Motherway: "you know its extremely unfortunate that things developed the way they were but officers were confronted with a very combative suspect."

The two reporting officers are not a paid leave. Both Mello and Romero are being charged with making terroristic threats. Mello is also being charged with six other counts in relation to stealing a squad car and the fatal crash. Additional charges against Mello are possible.

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