Hennepin Co. Sheriff Hospitalized After Rollover Crash, Suspected DUI
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson, 41, was involved in a single-car crash early this morning near Alexandria, according to a media release. It is being investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol 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," Hutchinson said in a written statement.
The crash reportedly took place about 2:30 a.m. a few miles east of Alexandria on I-94. Hutchinson was eastbound on the interstate in a 2021 Ford Explorer owned by Hennepin County when he left the road and rolled the vehicle according to a State Patrol incident report.
He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.
"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."
Hutchinson was taking part in a Minnesota Sheriffs' Association winter conference at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria. He won election for the post in 2018 and is up fo re-election next year.
Charges may be possible from the incident after review of the case by the Douglas County Attorney's Office, KSTP-TV reports.
Update - December 10: Hennepin Co. Sheriff Charged With Four Misdemeanors After Rollover Crash, Suspected DUI
Update - December 16: Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson Pleads Guilty to one DUI charge
