Three Escape as SUV Falls Through Ice on Big Lake

BIG LAKE -- The Sherburne County Sheriff is closing two lakes in the city of Big Lake to cars, trucks and SUV's after another vehicle broke through the ice over the weekend.

Sheriff Joel Brott says three people were able to escape after their Chevy Trailblazer broke through about seven inches of ice on Big Lake. The sheriff says the truck's rear wheels broke through the ice at about 5:30 p.m.

45-year-old Steven Berquist, 46-year-old Natalie Muehring and Berquist's 12-year-old son were able to crawl out of open windows before the truck completely sank in 25 feet of water.

Sheriff Brott is closing access to Big Lake and Mitchell Lake starting Thursday.

Cars, trucks and SUV's are prohibited from driving on the ice due to uneven ice conditions. ATV's and snowmobiles will still be allowed, but anyone venturing out onto the ice is urged to use extreme caution.

Brott says two ATV's have already broken through the ice on area lakes this winter.