A driver ran his SUV into a tree north of the Twin Cities and was killed, and his young son survived the impact with minor injuries, authorities said Monday.

The crash occurred about 8:50 p.m. Sunday in the 32000 block of Lofton Avenue, about 3 miles northwest of Lindstrom, according to the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.

The driver was identified as Harry J. Warner, 26, of nearby North Branch. Warner was dead at the scene, the Sheriff's Office said.

His 4-year-old son suffered minor facial injuries and was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, authorities said.

There was no immediate word on how the crash happened.

Warner was not wearing a seat belt, and his son was in a child safety seat, said Deputy James Mott.

Paul Walsh