Two men die after driver flees deputy, crashes into tree in St. Paul

Two men die after driver flees deputy, crashes into tree in St. Paul Sabrina Salguero Del Cid KSTP Deadly crash near Payne and Nebraska avenues in St. Paul on Nov. 7, 2026. (Ramsey County Sheriff's Office) Two men died after a driver fleeing a Ramsey County deputy crashed into a tree in St. Paul early Saturday. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy tried to stop an Acura RDX just after midnight at Rose Avenue East and Burr Street North. Authorities said the driver fled, prompting a pursuit that lasted about 50 seconds. The sheriff’s office said the deputy stayed three blocks behind as the SUV went more than 100 miles per hour. Then, the SUV hit a dip in the road at Wheelock Parkway, lost control, and struck a tree near Payne and Nebraska. Authorities said the car had “catastrophic” damage and that both men inside the SUV were ejected. One person died at the scene, and the other was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Who were they? Authorities said they believe the driver was a 27-year-old man with several felony warrants, including for drug possession, trafficking, and fleeing police. The passenger was a 29-year-old man, according to authorities. The sheriff’s office said they will release the names after the medical examiner positively identifies them and after next of kin are notified. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for more information. This is a developing story; check back for updates.