Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Minnesota — A Minnesota man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he deliberately drove his vehicle toward two campground employees, forcing them to run for safety after they witnessed him arguing with his girlfriend.
According to investigators, the frightening encounter unfolded on July 14 at Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park, where a husband and wife working at the campground said they narrowly escaped being struck by the suspect’s vehicle.
Employees Say Confrontation Began While They Were Picking Up Trash
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the campground shortly after 1 p.m. following reports that a driver had attempted to run over two employees.
When deputies arrived, the female employee described the terrifying experience.
“Better now, I don’t think I have been that scared ever.”
The husband and wife told investigators they were collecting trash around the campground when they heard a couple arguing nearby.
They looked toward the campsite and saw a man, later identified as 53-year-old Michael Brian Fritz, yelling at his girlfriend.
Police say Fritz noticed the employees watching the argument and allegedly became enraged, shouting at them and ordering them to “stop looking at them.”
Driver Allegedly Targeted Both Employees With His Car
Investigators say the situation escalated moments later when Fritz allegedly climbed into his maroon sedan and drove directly toward the male employee.
According to court documents, the vehicle came within just a few feet of hitting him before Fritz allegedly made a wide turn and accelerated toward the female employee.
Authorities said the woman was forced to sprint behind a large oak tree to avoid being struck.
“According to [the victim], she had to run behind a large oak tree to protect herself as the vehicle came within a couple feet of the tree,” deputies wrote in the affidavit.
A nearby camper reportedly witnessed the entire incident and gave investigators a statement that supported the couple’s version of events.
Suspect Denied Trying to Hit Anyone
Following the incident, deputies located Fritz and arrested him after what authorities described as a brief foot pursuit.
During questioning, Fritz admitted he was upset because the campground employees had been looking toward his campsite but denied intentionally trying to run anyone over.
“I didn’t try to run anyone over, I think they thought that,” Fritz allegedly told deputies.
Investigators noted that they had not yet mentioned the campsite before Fritz made that statement, describing it as an unusual response during the interview.
Charges Filed and Court Appearance Scheduled
Fritz has been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a police officer, according to court records.
He was booked into the Washington County Jail and has since posted a $10,000 bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 16, where he is expected to answer the charges related to the alleged assault.
If convicted, Fritz could face significant penalties stemming from allegations that a vehicle was intentionally used as a dangerous weapon during the confrontation.
What do you think about this case? Should incidents involving vehicles allegedly being used as weapons carry tougher penalties? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
