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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Fatal Car/Pedestrian Incident
BY: Public Information Officer Russ Bradley
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Fatal Car/Pedestrian Incident
CASE NO.: 16014087
INCIDENT DATE: 1/20/2016
INCIDENT TIME: 1800
INCIDENT LOCATION: Grand Ave/56th Ave W
Fatal Car/Pedestrian Accident
On 1/20/2016 at 1800 hours, Duluth Police squads were dispatched to the intersection of 56th Avenue West / Grand Avenue on a report of a male who had been hit by a vehicle. The preliminary investigation at the scene was conducted by Duluth Police officers and the Duluth Police Crash Investigations Unit with assistance by the Minnesota State Patrol. The investigation revealed that Melvin Joseph Stelton, 89, of Duluth, was crossing Grand Avenue on foot in the area of 56th Avenue West when he was struck by an SUV traveling westbound on Grand Avenue, driven by John Daniel Patzer, 52, of Duluth. After striking Stelton, Patzner, pulled to the side of the road, activated his flashing warning lights, and got out of his vehicle to render aid. Shortly after Patzner stopped, Stelton was struck by a second westbound vehicle, a Ford Pickup driven by Timothy Trent Klobucher, 44, of Duluth. Duluth Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene where Stelton was pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation into this incident revealed that excessive speed, distraction, and impairment were not factors in this crash. No criminal charges have resulted from this incident at this time as the investigation continues.
Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Duluth Police Department Crash Investigations Unit at (218) 730-5666.