Motorcycle Crash Near Oronoco Linked to Excessive Speed

Oronoco, MN (KROC-AM News) - Olmsted County authorities say excessive speed may have contributed to a motorcycle crash near Oronoco yesterday that sent two men to the hospital.

Olmsted County Sheriff's Captain Scott Behrns says the injuries occurred around 1 PM while a group of six motorcyclists was riding on Power Dam Road. He says the two motorcyclists leading the group were navigating a curve at a high rate of speed, perhaps close to 75 mph, when they encountered a truck traveling in the opposite direction. Both motorcyclists lost control when they took evasive action and crashed in the ditch, where they both struck steel poles.

Captain Behrns says 36-year-old Sarith Thuo of Rochester was taken to St. Mary's hospital with serious injuries, while 30-year-old Jared Spaeth of Morgan, Minnesota was transported to be treated for what appeared to be minor injuries.

Court records show Thou has a criminal history involving riding a motorcycle at high speeds. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation in 2015 after he was ticketed for going 135 miles per hour on a motorcycle in a case highlighted by the State Department of Public Safety in a report on a statewide crackdown on speeders.

News Update:  Alcohol Involved in Highway 52 Crash (UPDATED)