Guilty Plea Entered in East St. Cloud Hit and Run Case

(KNSI) – The suspect accused in a hit and run at the eastside Target parking lot in St. Cloud that left a man seriously injured has entered a plea deal.

According to the Benton County Attorney’s Office, Nathan James Severtson agreed to a Norgaard guilty plea on four charges. A Norgaard plea is used when the defendant cannot recall the incident fully due to intoxication or some other factor. Unlike an Alford plea, the Norgaard plea does not allow a defendant to maintain innocence.

According to the criminal complaint, on February 26th, several witnesses told police they saw the driver of a dark-colored Volkswagen Passat come flying into the lot at a high rate of speed, hit several vehicles and then hit a pedestrian. The 29-year-old victim had cuts to his face, blood coming out of his mouth and an injured right leg. He was taken to CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital for treatment. There, he told investigators he was walking through the lot and heard a noise behind him, and when he turned around, he saw the car heading right for him. He said he believed Severtson was aiming for him. Surveillance footage from the crash backed up what the victim said and showed him trying to jump out of the way before he was hit. It also shows Severtson hitting an SUV twice. Witnesses said it appears Severtson backed up after the initial crash and went back for a second swipe.

Court documents say a nearby officer arrived on the scene and found Severtson speeding through the parking lot, heading toward the squad car. The officer tried to initiate a traffic stop but says Severtson took off and headed south on Lincoln Avenue Southeast. They stopped a short time later, and Severtson was taken into custody without further incident.

According to prosecutors, Severtson’s breath test showed a blood alcohol content level of .254, which is more than three times the legal limit; however, due to Severtson’s age, the Not a Drop Law applies, which is a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving with any amount of alcohol in the body.

He was initially charged with second degree assault, fleeing police, and criminal vehicular operation. An amended criminal complaint was filed in May, also charging Severtson with DWI, criminal damage to property, hit and run and trespassing.

Severtson pled guilty to assault, fleeing, DWI and criminal damage to property. Sentencing will happen on October 12th.

Earlier this month, Severtson filed a letter with the court saying that he struggled due to an absent father. He asked for that to be considered by Judge Michael Jesse.

Lead prosecutor Karl Schmidt has since responded, saying Benton County intends to seek a prison sentence in line with state guidelines for the assault charge.

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