Two dead, three injured after man crashes into restaurant patio in Minnesota

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — Two people died and three were injured after a man plowed his car into a restaurant patio in a Minneapolis suburb Sunday, police said.

Surveillance footage captured a man, whose name police have not released, driving onto the outdoor patio of the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, a city just west of Minneapolis. The footage shows the man pulling into the restaurant’s parking lot Sunday night but not going inside. He tried to park and then drove onto the outdoor patio, police said.

The driver was arrested for vehicular homicide. Police have not released further details on a possible motive for the crime. They have also not identified the victims.

A spokesperson for HealthPartners, a nonprofit health care organization that operates St. Louis Park Methodist Hospital, told KARE-TV that nurses and staff members at the facility were among the victims.

A person who witnessed the incident said the driver rear-ended his vehicle before ploughing straight into a crowd of about 30 people on the terrace, the news station reported.

Dr. Thomas Stark, who works at Methodist Hospital, told KSTP-TV that he was at Park Tavern Sunday night with a group of co-workers. They were out to celebrate one of the hospital employees, who was leaving her nursing job for a new position.

“She moved on to the next chapter of her life and everyone was out celebrating, having a good time and saying goodbye,” Stark said.

According to the news channel, the nurse is now hospitalized with serious injuries.

According to its website, the Park Tavern is a “family destination featuring bowling alleys and arcade games, as well as a restaurant and bar.” In a written statement posted online, the restaurant said it would remain closed until further notice.

“Thank you for your understanding and kindness during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.

The Minnesota State Patrol conducted a reconstruction of the crash and a law enforcement investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities said.