Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff
St. Paul

Snowmobiler faces murder charge in death of child on Chisago Lake

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A Chisago County grand jury has brought a third-degree murder charge against Eric Joseph Coleman, who prosecutors say was snowmobiling drunk on Chisago Lake when he crashed into an 8-year-old boy who was ice fishing with his family.

Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. died from his injuries. The second-grader was dragged across the lake after being hit. Both his legs were broken and he suffered lung and severe head injuries. His father was also injured.

Coleman's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, three hours after the crash, Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter said Thursday as she disclosed the indictment. He also faces charges of criminal vehicular operation and driving under the influence.

According to Reiter's office, Coleman at the time of the crash was facing charges in Anoka County for criminal vehicular operation stemming from a November 2017 incident where he allegedly crashed his truck into another vehicle in Fridley, injuring the driver and fleeing the scene; when Coleman was caught, his blood-alcohol was allegedly more than three times the legal limit.