Boy dies from crash injuries; driver charged with criminal vehicular operation while under the influence

A driver in a Friday, March 14 crash in Chisago County has been charged with six counts of criminal vehicular operation while under the influence of a controlled substance.

36-year-old Ashlee Klapperick, of Coon Rapids, faces four felony-level counts for causing great and substantial bodily harm, and two gross misdemeanor counts.

According to the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office, a collision was reported on Rush Lake Trail, south of Belle Isle Drive in Nessel Township, around 6:18 p.m. 

Investigators believe a Chevrolet Cruze driven by Klapperick was traveling northbound, crossed over the center line, and struck a Chrysler Pacifica head-on.

One passenger, a four-year-old boy, died Thursday after suffering a brain injury.

The Chisago County Attorney's Office was made aware of the update, and will review the case for additional charges.

The second passenger, a three-year-old, has been released from the hospital and is in protective care.

The four occupants of the Chrysler, a female driver and three juvenile passengers, were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Klapperick told law enforcement that she used methamphetamine a couple days prior, and used marijuana the previous day. A deputy observed indicators of impairment by a controlled substance.

Authorities discovered drug paraphernalia in her vehicle, including a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. 

Klapperick will make her next court appearance on April 7.