A North Branch man accused of fatally running over a teenage girl in Forest Lake on July 16 has had his charges upgraded.
Dylan Simmons was initially charged with third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide in the case.
According to an updated criminal complaint, he now faces two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of second-degree assault, and criminal vehicular homicide.
The complaint states Simmons allegedly struck a 17-year-old girl with his vehicle in the parking lot of Lakeside Veteran’s Memorial Park. The victim died at the scene after lifesaving efforts by first responders.
Witnesses told law enforcement officials that there had been arguments and physical confrontations involving two groups familiar with each other. Multiple parties were allegedly armed with weapons, like a baseball bat, hammers, a crowbar, and a folding knife.
According to the complaint, when the situation deescalated, two participants entered a white Mazda sedan driven by Simmons. Witnesses said he intentionally drove in the direction of several people on the opposing side of a conflict.
In an interview with police, Simmons admitted to knowing he had struck the victim.
Simmons is scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday.
