A West Fargo driver faces an ongoing law enforcement investigation after running a stop sign and causing a fatal crash in Clay County. Authorities identified the driver as 39-year-old Kyle Schlicht. The broadside collision occurred just before 9:00 AM on September 11 near the rural town of Sabin.
Deputies report that Schlicht was traveling westbound on 50th Avenue South in a personal vehicle. As he approached the intersection with 70th Street South, he failed to hit the brakes at the posted stop sign. At that exact moment, 78-year-old Dennis Lass of Sabin was driving northbound through the open intersection, holding the right of way.
Schlicht’s vehicle slammed into Lass’s car at road speed. The violent collision launched Lass’s vehicle off the pavement, throwing the elderly driver from his car into a roadside ditch. The Red River Regional Dispatch Center broadcasted the emergency call, sending multiple emergency agencies racing to the rural intersection.
First responders from Sabin, Glyndon, and the Minnesota State Patrol arrived quickly to secure the scene. Crews located Lass in the ditch and immediately started CPR and emergency care. Despite aggressive lifesaving attempts by paramedics and local firefighters, Lass died from his injuries at the scene.
Schlicht remained conscious after the impact and spoke directly with deputies and medical staff at the crash site. Emergency personnel evaluated his condition before placing him in a Sanford Ambulance. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment of his injuries.
Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting stated that preliminary evidence points directly to Schlicht’s failure to stop at the intersection sign. Reconstruction officers spent hours mapping out the scene, measuring skid marks, and assessing vehicle trajectories north of Sabin. Investigators are reviewing all potential factors, including speed and driver distraction.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is finalizing its official crash report. Once investigators complete their technical review, they will hand the file over to the Clay County Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will then review the evidence to determine whether formal criminal charges will be filed against Schlicht.
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