On Friday, October 15 at approximately 9:48 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to American Crystal in Crookston for a report of a female who had been hit by a beet truck. When first responders arrived, they discovered that a beet truck was attempting to turn around and had backed into the piler. The victim had been pinned between the truck and piler. Witnesses advised the victim was only pinned for a few seconds before the truck pulled away. The victim was transported to RiverView Emergency Room in Crookston and later taken to Altru in Grand Forks. She is currently in stable condition and being treating for her injuries.
Victim was identified as Barbara Velasquez (DOB 10-27-1989) of Perris California. The driver of the truck was identified as Mike Severson (DOB 4-26-1992 )of Grand Forks North Dakota.
No further information will be released at this time.
Assisting agencies: Crookston Area Ambulance.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone in the Red River Valley to be safe and aware of their surroundings while traveling on the roads or working in the fields. The annual beet harvest has been delayed but will be ramping up again in the upcoming weeks.
