High-Speed Racing Incident on Hwy 52 Injures Dakota County Park Ranger, Two-Charged
Provided by Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko/Facebook
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA—In the early morning of Sunday, June 30, 2024, around 1:30 a.m., a serious crash occurred on Highway 52 involving two racing vehicles, injuring a Dakota County Sheriff's Office park ranger. On July 3rd, Sheriff Joe Leko provided a statement about the events that transpired and the subsequent investigation that led to the identification and charges against the two drivers involved.
According to the Sheriff, the incident began when two Dakota County Sheriff’s Office park rangers were driving in separate vehicles on Highway 52. Suddenly, two cars approached them at high speeds, seemingly engaged in a street race. One of these vehicles lost control and collided with the park ranger's squad car, causing it to crash into the guardrail. The offending vehicles did not stop, leaving the injured ranger behind. The park ranger, who sustained a head injury, is currently recovering. Sheriff Leko expressed relief that the situation was not more severe, noting the significant damage to the squad car.
In the days following the incident, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office investigators worked tirelessly to identify the drivers involved. Their efforts paid off as they managed to identify both drivers and their vehicles, leading to felony charges from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
Charges and Arrests
The following are the charges from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office based on court records and the criminal complaint released by the office on July 5, 2024.
23-year-old Sebastian Calderon-Gamboa
Count I: Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm (Gross Negligence)
Maximum Sentence: 0-3 years and/or $3,000.00 - $10,000.00
Offense Level: Felony
Count II: Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm (Causes Collision and Leaves Scene)
Maximum Sentence: 0-3 years and/or $3,000.00 - $10,000.00
Offense Level: Felony
20-year-old Oscar Smith Molina-Leguizamon
Count I: Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm (Gross Negligence)
Maximum Sentence: 0-3 years and/or $3,000.00 - $10,000.00
Offense Level: Felony
Count II: Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm (Causes Collision and Leaves Scene)
Maximum Sentence: 0-3 years and/or $3,000.00 - $10,000.00
Offense Level: Felony
Investigation Details
The following is a more detailed overview of the events that occurred and the subsequent investigation based on the criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office. The criminal complaint states that the incident was initially reported by another park ranger who witnessed the two vehicles, a grey sedan and a black Ford Focus, speeding and tailgating each other before colliding with each other. The witness reported seeing two vehicles, a grey sedan and a black Ford Focus, racing and tailgating each other at high speeds. The vehicles passed the witness’s squad car before colliding with each other. This collision caused the black Ford Focus to lose control and hit the victim’s squad car. The squad car then crashed into the center median. The grey sedan continued driving without stopping, and the black Ford Focus briefly pulled over before fleeing the scene. The witness estimated that the vehicles were traveling upwards of 90 MPH. The criminal complaint states that surveillance footage from MNDOT confirmed the two vehicles' high-speed racing and dangerous driving behavior.
According to the criminal complaint, the black Ford Focus was later found abandoned in an apartment complex parking lot in Inver Grove Heights. Investigators traced the vehicle through a CarFax report, which showed it had been serviced at a local auto shop on June 7, 2024. The repair order listed the customer as "Oscar Smith." Law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment linked to the Focus, where residents identified Oscar Smith Molina-Leguizamon as the driver. It was reported that text messages from Molina-Leguizamon discussing the crash were also provided.
Upon interviewing Molina-Leguizamon and the driver of the grey sedan, Sebastian Calderon-Gamboa, law enforcement gathered further details about the incident. According to the criminal complaint, Molina-Leguizamon admitted to racing at high speeds on Hwy 52 and acknowledged crashing into another car. The criminal complaint then goes on to say that he stated that he fled the scene because he was scared and did not have a license or insurance. Molina-Leguizamon allegedly confessed to driving at 110 MPH and not calling 911 to report the crash.
According to the criminal complaint, Calderon-Gamboa also allegedly admitted to driving the grey Camry and speeding on Hwy 52 but denied racing Molina-Leguizamon. He also allegedly confirmed witnessing Molina-Leguizamon's crash but did not stop to check on any injuries or call 911.
The criminal complaint states that the injured Dakota County Sheriff's Office park ranger sustained a laceration to his left arm and reported a severe headache and neck stiffness at the scene. Despite refusing additional medical care initially and attempting to work the next day, the ranger experienced persistent head pain, tiredness, dizziness, and confusion, prompting a visit to the emergency room on July 2, 2024. He was diagnosed with a concussion and missed additional work shifts due to his symptoms.
The criminal complaint reported that neither Molina-Leguizamon nor Calderon-Gamboa has a valid driver’s license. Court records also showed that Molina-Leguizamon has another pending case for driving without a license. Court records show their bonds were $50,000 with conditions and $40,000 without. As of writing this story, both remain in Dakota County Jail. Molina-Leguizamon’s next court date is August 1, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota. Calderon-Gamboa’s first appearance, based on Rule 8, is set for July 16, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota. His court hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2024, at 1:30 PM.
Provided by: Dakota County Jail. Oscar Molina-Leguizamon (left), Sebastian Calderon-Gamboa (right)
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Molina-Leguizamon and Calderon-Gamboa, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The information is derived from the formal complaint filed in the District Court of Minnesota and reflects the ongoing judicial process. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Written by: Will Wight