On August 27, 2026, at approximately 3:40 P.M., Stearns County Deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Co. Rd. 17 and Co. Rd. 13 in Melrose Township, which is approximately 4 miles north of the City of Melrose. A witness reported the collision and advised that one of the vehicles was smoking. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 2012 Dodge Journey in the northeast ditch of the intersection. The vehicle, driven by Jose Montanez Botello, 23, Sauk Centre, was fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading into the surrounding ditch and woods. Passengers in the Journey were Guadalupe Botello Ambriz, 23, Sauk Centre and Noah Montanez Botello, 3, Sauk Centre. The second vehicle, a 2024 Subaru Ascent driven by Vivian Okutoyi, 33, Grey Eagle, sustained significant damage to the rear passenger-side area.
Through the investigation and interviews with witnesses, deputies determined that the Subaru Ascent failed to yield the right-of-way and proceeded through the stop sign on County Road 17 while traveling eastbound. The Subaru entered the intersection and pulled in front of the northbound Dodge Journey. The Dodge Journey was unable to avoid the collision.
No injuries were reported by the occupants of either vehicle.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Melrose Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Melrose Fire Department, and Melrose Ambulance.
Okutoyi was cited for failure to yield.
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