Two campground employees had to scramble for safety when a Minnesota man allegedly tried to mow them down with his car because they were watching him argue with his girlfriend, according to authorities.
Background
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on July 14 at Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park in Washington County, Minnesota. The husband and wife who work at the campground told deputies they were picking up trash when they heard arguing nearby. They looked over and saw Michael Brian Fritz engaged in a dispute with his girlfriend.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Fritz allegedly began screaming and swearing at the couple, demanding they stop looking at him and his companion. The confrontation escalated quickly as the man later identified as Fritz became increasingly agitated that witnesses were observing his personal argument.
The Investigation
Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the park for a disturbance call. Upon arrival, they spoke with the husband and wife, who reported that a man in a maroon sedan had tried to run them over.
The wife provided a chilling account of the encounter. "Better now, I don't think I have been that scared ever," she told deputies when asked how she was doing following the incident.
Court documents allege Fritz hopped into his vehicle and drove directly at the husband, coming within feet of hitting him. The defendant then made what authorities describe as a wide turn and aimed the car toward the wife.
"According to [the victim], she had to run behind a large oak tree to protect herself as the vehicle came within a couple feet of the tree," deputies wrote in the affidavit.
A camper at the scene witnessed the entire ordeal and corroborated the employees' account, providing independent confirmation of the alleged assault.
The Charges
Fritz, 53, is facing two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a police officer. He was taken into custody following what authorities describe as a brief foot pursuit after the incident.
When questioned by investigators, Fritz acknowledged being upset with the employees but denied any intent to harm them. "I didn't try to run anyone over, I think they thought that," he told deputies, according to the affidavit.
A deputy noted in the report that this statement seemed unusual because investigators had not yet mentioned anything about a campsite or vehicle pursuit during their initial questioning of Fritz.
Fritz was booked into the Washington County Jail and has since posted a $10,000 bond. His next scheduled court appearance is set for September 16.
Key Takeaways
- The victims, a husband and wife who work at Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park, were targeted after allegedly witnessing an argument between Fritz and his girlfriend
- Prosecutors allege Fritz drove directly at the couple in succession, forcing them to flee for their safety
- A witness camping at the park confirmed the employees' account of the incident
- Fritz has been charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fleeing a peace officer
What's Next
Fritz is due back in court on September 16 for his next scheduled appearance. The case remains under investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and additional charges or developments may emerge as prosecutors review the evidence.