Bemidji, MN (July 16, 2026) – A pedestrian was critically hurt after being struck by a Bemidji Police Department squad vehicle early on Wednesday, July 15, at the intersection of Irvine Ave and 18th Street Northwest in Bemidji.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the 2021 Ford Explorer was traveling northbound on Irvine Ave in normal, non-emergency mode when it hit a person who was in or near the middle of the roadway. The driver, 54-year-old Robert David Brogren of Bemidji, was not injured.
The pedestrian was identified as 36-year-old Michael Anthony Brown of Duluth. He was taken to Sanford Hospital Bemidji, with life-threatening injuries. The preliminary report noted that alcohol was suspected as a factor in the pedestrian. The cause of the accident remains under review as investigators continue to gather information.
Our thoughts are with Michael Anthony Brown and those close to him as he receives medical care.
What Factors Are Commonly Reviewed After a Pedestrian Is Struck by a Vehicle?
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, investigators typically examine several details to better understand what happened. These may include the position of the pedestrian on the roadway, the driver’s speed, visibility, lighting, weather, and road surface conditions. Nearby traffic cameras, surveillance footage, and witness statements can also help establish the sequence of events.
Vehicle data, including braking and steering information when available, may provide additional insight into the moments before contact occurred. Medical reports can help document the extent of injuries, while measurements taken at the roadway may assist in reconstructing how the incident unfolded. As more evidence becomes available, investigators are usually able to build a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding a pedestrian crash.
