Crime & Safety

Video Shows Minnesota Teen Crashing In Deadly High-Speed Chase

Police in La Crosse, Wisconsin say a Minnesota teen has died after leading authorities on a high-speed police chase across town.

LA CROSSE, WI — Police in La Crosse, Wisconsin say a Minnesota teen has died after leading them on a high-speed police chase across town. On Sunday, July 9 at about 4:50 p.m., La Crosse police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that was reported as stolen the previous day. Officers initially attempted to stop the vehicle on 2nd St. at Grove St.

Police stated the operator of the stolen vehicle, later identified as DeShawn Huff, 19, of Winona, Minnesota accelerated, fleeing at a high rate of speed, south bound on 2nd St. with speeds exceeding 60 mph.

The pursuit continued south onto Norplex Drive. Police say Huff lost control of the stolen vehicle and it jumped the a curb at an intersection and continued into the waters of Swift Creek.

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After entering Swift Creek, Huff was able to get out of the car as it was sinking. Several officers waded into the water and threw rescue ropes to him.

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He was unable to grab the ropes due to panic and eventually was unable to stay afloat. The La Crosse Fire Department Dive Rescue Team and La Crosse County Dive Rescue Team arrived within minutes of the vehicle entering the water.

Huff was retrieved from the water by the dive rescue teams and was immediately transported to the hospital.

It was later announced that on Tuesday afternoon, Huff passed away from injuries sustained from crashing the vehicle into the waters of Swift Creek. Wisconsin State Patrol, in conjunction with the La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office, will be arranging for an autopsy to determine an official cause of death.

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