Single-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 77 in Apple Valley Leaves Two Injured, Two Arrested
Published: April 6, 2026 | Last Updated: April 9, 2026 at 1:15 pm.
UPDATE - APPLE VALLEY, MN: What was initially reported as a single-vehicle crash along Highway 77 has now been revealed to involve an alleged domestic assault that unfolded inside a moving vehicle before the crash occurred Monday evening, April 6. According to the Apple Valley Police Department and information referenced from the Minnesota State Patrol, officers were dispatched at approximately 5:17 p.m. to reports of a disturbance inside a vehicle traveling northbound on Cedar Avenue near 140th Street West.
Fight Reported Inside Moving Vehicle
Multiple 911 callers reported seeing a man and woman physically fighting inside a black sedan while it was in motion. Witnesses described the vehicle as “all over the road,” with punches being thrown between the occupants as the vehicle continued northbound.
One witness told police they observed the driver repeatedly striking the passenger while stopped at a traffic light. After the vehicle began moving again, the passenger allegedly struck the driver in return.
According to the police report, a witness also captured portions of the incident on dash camera video.
Crash Into Median Barrier
Shortly after the reported altercation, the vehicle, identified as a black 2013 Chrysler 300, crashed into the center median barrier near the Palomino Drive bridge along Cedar Avenue. When officers arrived, both occupants were outside the vehicle and suffering from visible head injuries. Authorities noted that neither individual was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which contributed to their injuries.
The Minnesota State Patrol handled the crash investigation and issued a citation to the driver.
Driver and Passenger Identified, Both Arrested
Police identified the driver as a 19-year-old man from St. Louis Park and the passenger as an 18-year-old woman from Minneapolis. Investigators determined that both individuals were involved in separate acts of domestic assault during the incident.
According to the report:
The driver was identified as the primary aggressor during the initial assault at the intersection.
The passenger was later identified as the aggressor during a second altercation while the vehicle was in motion.
Based on witness statements, video evidence, and officer observations, both individuals were arrested and cited for misdemeanor domestic assault.
Infant Present During Incident
Authorities also confirmed that an infant child was present in the vehicle at the time of the incident. The child was not reported to be injured.
Due to the circumstances, a report was forwarded to child protection services for review.
Medical Treatment and Transport
Both individuals were transported to local hospitals for evaluation:
The driver was taken to Regina Hospital.
The passenger was taken to M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital.
After being medically cleared, both were transported to the Dakota County Jail.
Separate Investigations: Crash vs. Assault
Officials emphasized that the domestic assault and crash were investigated as related but distinct incidents. According to investigators, there was no definitive evidence confirming that the assault directly caused the crash.
The Minnesota State Patrol continues to handle the crash investigation, while Apple Valley Police led the domestic assault investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY - APPLE VALLEY, MN: Authorities are investigating a single-vehicle crash that occurred Monday evening, April 6, 2026, along a busy stretch of Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) in Apple Valley.
According to information provided by the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash was reported at approximately 5:21 p.m. near northbound Highway 77 and Palemino Drive. Responding agencies included the Minnesota State Patrol, Apple Valley Police Department, and Allina Health.
Crash Details
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 77 struck the cable median barrier. Based on the skid marks on the ground we saw at the scene and in our video above, it appears the vehicle might have been in the far-right lane before ending up against the median barrier. State Patrol says both the driver and a passenger sustained what were described as possible injuries as a result of the crash. The extent and severity of those injuries have not yet been released.
Authorities also confirmed that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Driver Arrested
Following the incident, we can confirm seeing at least one person in handcuffs and being walked to an Apple Valley squad car before eventually being transferred to an ambulance. The Minnesota State Patrol has confirmed that the driver in this crash was taken into custody by Apple Valley police. Specific details regarding the reason for the arrest have not yet been released.
Limitless Media News has reached out to the Apple Valley Police Department for additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest, including whether impairment or other factors may have played a role.
Ongoing Investigation
The crash remains under active investigation, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Officials have not yet released information on contributing factors or whether any citations or charges are expected.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Written By: Will Wight
