That on or about February 7, 2026, at approximately 8:59 P.M., multiple law enforcement personnel responded to the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard NW, City of Ramsey, Anoka County, Minnesota, in response to a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, law enforcement observed a 2004 Toyota Sienna with heavy front-end damage in the westbound lane. Law enforcement further observed a 2025 Kia Soul that was off the roadway. The Kia Soul was on its side, and up against a business.
Law enforcement identified Victim as the driver of the Sienna, and identified the driver of the Kia as AUSTIN WILLIAM FARRELL (D. O. B. 5/05/2004), herein after Defendant. Victim was interviewed on-scene. Victim described driving westbound on Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, with a green light. As Victim entered the intersection, Victim was struck by another vehicle from an unknown direction. Victim described chest and stomach pain and was subsequently transported to the Mercy Hospital by ambulance. Law enforcement then spoke to Defendant.
Defendant described “being dumb”. Defendant stated he was driving southbound on Sunfish Lake Boulevard NW, approaching Bunker Lake Boulevard intersection. Defendant stated he was driving at approximately 60 miles per hour. Defendant admitted to observing a red light, but willfully disregarded the traffic control signal, and continued to speed through the intersection. While speeding through the intersection, Defendant collided with Victim. Law enforcement learned Defendant had a revoked Minnesota driver’s license, and a misdemeanor warrant for Driving While under the Influence.
Officers located an unlocked cell phone in the roadway, believed to belong to Defendant. Officers observed a message—believed to be sent by Defendant—on the unlocked cell phone that stated, “Im racing.” The cell phone was secured pending a search warrant. Later, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the phone. The phone was identified as belonging to Defendant. During review of the phone's contents, law enforcement again observed the message, “Im racing”. This message was sent on February 7, 2026, at 8:53:48 P.M. (UTC-6), moments before the collision.
Medical records show Victim suffered from a nondisplaced fracture to the right, anterior third rib, and internal bleeding, as a result of the collision. The State requests a complaint summons in this matter.
