Man Charged With Felony Fleeing After Alleged DWI Crash Into Light Pole in West Saint Paul
Published: May 15th 2026
WEST SAINT PAUL MN: A 23-year-old man is facing felony fleeing and gross misdemeanor DWI charges after police say he struck a light pole in West St. Paul and then led officers on a short pursuit late Thursday night.
According to the criminal complaint, a West St. Paul police officer was on patrol near a liquor store at approximately 11:45 p.m. on May 14, 2026, when the officer observed a red 2005 Ford Expedition swerving, missing the entrance to a parking lot, driving over a curb onto a sidewalk, and colliding with a light pole.
The complaint states the officer activated emergency lights and a siren before approaching the vehicle. The driver was identified as MICHAEL ANTHONY CLARK JR., born April 19, 2003.
According to the complaint, Clark then reversed the SUV and accelerated away from officers. Police pursued the vehicle for approximately 0.7 miles at speeds between 50 and 60 mph in a 35 mph zone before Clark eventually stopped in a parking lot.
Officers ordered Clark out of the vehicle, and the complaint states he stumbled and nearly fell while exiting. Officers allegedly observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and glossy eyes.
Police later searched the Ford Expedition and reportedly found a small bottle of Fireball whiskey, an empty bottle of hard lemonade, and a baggie containing apparent marijuana.
According to the complaint, Clark was transported to a hospital where officers obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. The complaint states Clark complied with a blood draw, and the sample will be submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.
Clark is charged in Dakota County District Court with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and second-degree driving while impaired.
Court records cited in the complaint state Clark has two prior DWI convictions, including convictions entered on Feb. 11, 2025, and June 2, 2025.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.