A 53-year-old Minnesota man has been charged after authorities say he intentionally drove his vehicle toward two campground employees because they witnessed him arguing with his girlfriend, forcing the workers to run for safety behind a tree.
According to court documents, Michael Brian Fritz is facing two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a police officer in connection with the incident.
Deputies Respond to Disturbance at Regional Park
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park at about 1 p.m. on July 14.
When deputies arrived, they spoke with a husband and wife who worked at the campground. The couple reported that a man driving a maroon sedan had attempted to run them over.
The female employee later told deputies she was relieved officers had arrived, saying, “Better now, I don’t think I have been that scared ever.”
Employees Witnessed Argument
The couple explained that they had been collecting trash around the campground when they heard a loud argument nearby.
They looked over and saw a man, later identified as Fritz, arguing with his girlfriend.
According to investigators, Fritz became angry after noticing the employees watching the argument. He allegedly began yelling profanities at the couple and repeatedly told them to stop looking at him and his girlfriend.
Vehicle Allegedly Used as a Weapon
Investigators said the confrontation escalated when Fritz got into his maroon sedan.
According to the affidavit, Fritz allegedly drove directly toward the male employee, coming within just a few feet of hitting him.
Police said Fritz then made a wide turn and drove toward the female employee.
The woman told deputies she had to run behind a large oak tree to avoid being struck.
According to investigators, the vehicle came within only a couple of feet of the tree where she had taken cover.
Witness Supported Victims’ Account
Authorities said another camper who witnessed the incident provided a statement that matched the campground employees’ description of what happened.
The witness confirmed seeing Fritz drive the vehicle toward the couple during the confrontation, according to investigators.
Suspect Arrested After Brief Foot Chase
Deputies later located Fritz and arrested him after what authorities described as a brief foot pursuit.
During questioning, Fritz admitted he was upset with the campground employees because they had been looking toward his campsite.
According to the affidavit, he told investigators, “I didn’t try to run anyone over, I think they thought that.”
Investigators noted that the statement caught their attention because deputies had not yet mentioned the campsite during the interview. According to the affidavit, one deputy considered the comment unusual because Fritz volunteered that information before officers brought up the location.
Charges and Upcoming Court Date
Fritz was booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a police officer.
Court records show he later posted a $10,000 bond and was released from custody.
His next court appearance has been scheduled for Sept. 16, when he is expected to answer the charges stemming from the alleged assault at Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park.
