Becker County Sheriff’s Office Releases Dashcam Footage of Pursuit

47-year-old Michael James Azure initially evaded the pursuing deputy, but was found deceased about ten minutes later.

BECKER COUNTY, MN (KVRR) – The incident in question took place at approximately 2:11 P.M. on May 8 in White Earth, Minnesota.

The Becker County Sheriff’s Office says one of their deputies was on patrol when they spotted 47-year-old Michael James Azure driving an ATV.

It also sounds like he is referred to by name multiple times by the deputy.

“Suspect, I believe, is Michael – [unintelligible]” is heard at one point, followed by “I believe that Mike went over to 21” when the ATV makes a sudden turn.

The deputy was reportedly aware Azure was not legally allowed to drive, which is why he initiated the pursuit.

Azure fled southbound onto Mission Road and almost immediately turned onto dirt trails, kicking up large clouds of dust, which ultimately rendered the chase untenable.

“I can’t get through with the squad on the trailer,” the deputy is heard saying as he comes to a stop.

This was, again, 2:11 P.M.

Authorities had located the ATV – and Azure – by 2:25.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office said, on Facebook, that they released the video to “dispel widespread rumor or unrest”.

Their comments are turned off, but other social media pages featuring the story showcase a variety of reactions, from criticism of the chase itself to admonishment of Azure for fleeing in the first place.

Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office declined an interview and said they would normally never release footage related to an active investigation but felt it was necessary in this instance to clear up misconceptions the public had about the incident.

Azure’s body was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The Becker County Sheriff’s Office said they would possibly comment more on the case once that examination was complete, which they estimated would be in about two weeks.