On December 20, 2025, Minnesota State Trooper M. Vatsaas was traveling southbound near 12th Avenue S. In Moorhead, Clay County, Minnesota, when he observed a black Toyota without license plates and a temporary registration tag valid in North Dakota only. Trooper Vatsaas initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle by activating his squad car's emergency overhead lights. The Toyota briefly slowed down before rapidly accelerating and continuing to drive southbound on 8th Street S. The vehicle continued to accelerate away from Trooper Vatsaas, reaching speeds of approximately 74 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone.
Trooper Vatsaas continued to follow the Toyota with his squad vehicle's emergency lights and siren activated. Both vehicles eventually entered the westbound ramp of I-94. Where the Toyota lost control on a patch of ice and crashed into the median of the ramp. Trooper Vatsaas slowed his squad vehicle, which slid forward on the ice and collided with the Toyota. The driver was ordered to exit the vehicle, to which she complied. The driver was identified as ASHLEY GRACE FRENICK, [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter "Defendant". Defendant stated she had just purchased the vehicle and had not yet registered the vehicle or purchased insurance.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
