Farmington, MN (March 3, 2026) – A Farmington woman was critically injured on Monday, March 2, when her vehicle was struck by a police squad car along Highway 3.
The crash occurred while a Farmington police officer was driving a 2022 Ford Explorer squad southbound with emergency lights and sirens activated. The officer entered an intersection and collided with a 2016 Toyota Corolla traveling east on Elm Street, driven by 72-year-old Aristea Peter Kontinakis of Farmington.
Airbags deployed in both vehicles, and both drivers were wearing seat belts. Kontinakis was transported to Regions Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The officer, 22-year-old Alexander Ryan Goodreau, was taken to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities reported that road conditions were dry and do not suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash. Multiple emergency units, including Farmington police, firefighters, Allina EMS, and Dakota County sheriff’s deputies, responded to the scene.
The incident remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Emergency Vehicle Crashes Can Result in Severe Injuries
Collisions involving emergency vehicles are particularly dangerous because these vehicles often travel at high speeds with lights and sirens activated. Drivers responding to emergencies may have limited time to react to other vehicles entering intersections.
Even when drivers are following traffic laws and wearing seat belts, the size, weight, and momentum of a police vehicle or fire truck can make impact forces severe. Airbags and seat belts help reduce injuries, but sudden collisions can still cause life-threatening trauma.
Intersections remain high-risk locations for crashes, as turning vehicles, cross traffic, and misjudged gaps can create conflicts. Careful attention by all drivers, especially near emergency responders, is key to minimizing accidents.
