A 25-year-old Minneapolis man was fatally struck by a van on Interstate 35W early Saturday after fleeing from a stolen vehicle, according to Minneapolis police and the State Patrol.

Officers spotted the stolen vehicle near Lake Street E. and 16th Avenue S. at 3:20 a.m. Its driver failed to stop for police and led them on a 12-block chase down Lake Street, police said.

The vehicle crashed near Lake Street and 2nd Avenue S., on an I-35W embankment, police said. The three people in it then fled on foot toward the interstate.

One of them, Jonathan Barbour, jumped the center median and was struck by a passing van in a southbound lane, officials said. He was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died.

Officers found a handgun near Barbour after he was hit, police said. There was a warrant out for his arrest on a robbery charge, they added.

The 28-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle was arrested on the shoulder of the freeway and is likely to be charged with auto theft and fleeing police. A female passenger also was arrested.

The 46-year-old driver of the passing van that struck Barbour was not injured, the State Patrol said.

Staff Report