Woman Officially Charged After Allegedly Fleeing Bloomington Police Before Crashing in Apple Valley Back in January
Published: August 7, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - More than six months after a high-speed police pursuit ended in a serious crash that injured multiple people, the Dakota County Attorney's Office has formally charged a Minneapolis woman with felony fleeing a peace officer.
According to a criminal complaint filed Friday in Dakota County District Court, Rachel Anne Woodstrom-Helfand, 23, of Minneapolis, has been charged with one felony count of Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle in connection with the January 24, 2026, incident.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and/or a fine between $1,500 and $5,000, if convicted.
High-Speed Attempted Traffic Stop
According to the criminal complaint, a Bloomington police officer was driving southbound on Highway 77 and entering Apple Valley around 9:10 p.m. on January 24 when he observed a vehicle traveling approximately 80 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. The complaint states the vehicle passed the officer's unmarked squad car on the right. After observing the excessive speed, the officer activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
Rather than stopping, prosecutors allege Woodstrom-Helfand crossed multiple lanes of traffic and continued fleeing southbound, eventually disappearing from the officer's sight. The officer then arrived moments later at a crash scene at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 160th Street West, where responding officers determined the fleeing vehicle had been involved in a serious collision.
Crash at Busy Apple Valley Intersection
As previously reported by Limitless Media News, January Apple Valley Crash Tied to Bloomington Officer Pursuit of Speeding Vehicle, Apple Valley police determined that Woodstrom-Helfand was driving a 2017 Honda CR-V southbound on Cedar Avenue when she allegedly entered the intersection against a red light while fleeing police.
Her vehicle collided with an eastbound 2015 Nissan Altima, which investigators determined had the right-of-way with a green traffic signal. The impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
According to the Apple Valley Police Department's crash investigation:
The Honda sustained major passenger-side damage, including the loss of a rear wheel.
The Nissan suffered severe front-end damage.
After the collision, the Honda continued approximately half a block before coming to a stop.
Both vehicles were declared disabled and towed from the scene.
A witness told investigators they observed the Honda run the red light before striking the Nissan.
Multiple People Injured
Emergency crews transported several people from the scene to local area hospitals after reporting injuries.
Woodstrom-Helfand was also transported to Fairview Ridges Hospital before later being medically cleared and booked into the Bloomington Police Department.
Defendant Allegedly Admitted Fleeing
The newly filed complaint states that officers spoke with Woodstrom-Helfand following the crash. According to prosecutors, she admitted that she had intentionally fled from the Bloomington police officer.
The complaint alleges Woodstrom-Helfand told officers she "just needed to get away" because of issues going on at home.
That statement differs slightly from information contained in Bloomington police reports previously obtained by Limitless Media News, which indicated she also told officers she was driving to Iowa and did not want to stop for police before deciding to drive through the red light after believing the squad car was no longer immediately behind her.
Charges Filed
Although Bloomington police initially requested prosecutors consider additional charges, including three counts of Criminal Vehicular Operation (Gross Negligence Causing Great Bodily Harm) and Reckless Driving, the Dakota County Attorney's Office has, at this time, filed one felony count of Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle.
No additional charges related to the injuries sustained in the crash appear in the criminal complaint filed Friday. It is not uncommon for prosecutors to file an initial complaint and later amend charges as additional evidence or medical information becomes available.
Woodstrom-Helfand is scheduled to make her initial appearance in Dakota County District Court on September 15, 2026, at 9 AM.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Written by: Will Wight
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