Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson's blood alcohol content was .13 when he crashed the county-owned vehicle he was driving early Wednesday morning east of Alexandria.
The Douglas County Attorney on Friday charged Hutchinson with four misdemeanors related to the crash. Charges included fourth-degree driving while impaired, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 within two hours, and carrying a pistol under the influence of alcohol.
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash that sent Hutchinson to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on I-94 five miles east of Alexandria.
Hutchinson was the only person inside the vehicle and was wearing a seatbelt.
Hutchinson addressed the crash and DUI investigation hours after it happened:
Early this morning, I was involved in single car crash in Douglas County near Alexandria, MN. I was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating this crash as a DUI.
I made the inexcusable decision to drive after drinking alcohol and I am deeply sorry. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Hennepin County, I am held to a higher standard. I regret the choice I made and apologize to the citizens I serve, the staff I work with, and the friends and family who support me.
I take full responsibility for my actions and am prepared to accept the consequences of my poor decision. I am relieved that no one else was injured in the crash. I will immediately address my personal issues surrounding alcohol and seek the help I need to continue to serve the people of Hennepin County.
- Sheriff Dave Hutchinson