Victim Identified in Anoka Fatal Crash; Driver Charged
A Coon Rapids man has been arrested and charged following a fatal crash in Anoka that left a Ham Lake woman dead earlier this week
Authorities have identified the victim as 51-year-old Ann Marie Moore.
The crash occurred on North Street in Anoka, where officers responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, they found a Toyota Sienna minivan in the westbound lane facing east, with its driver, later identified as 37-year-old Zachary Scott Lee Wydella, regaining consciousness. Nearby, a heavily damaged Toyota Yaris was positioned on the curb in the opposite lane. The driver, Moore, was unresponsive and not breathing. Emergency personnel determined she had died at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
PREVIOUSLY: 1 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured in Anoka Crash
According to the criminal complaint, officers at the scene observed signs of intoxication in Wydella, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol. Inside his vehicle, police discovered an open and partially consumed box of wine under the passenger seat. A cup containing a red liquid, consistent with the wine, had spilled onto the driver-side door.
Due to injuries sustained in the crash, Wydella was taken to a hospital, where law enforcement obtained a court-ordered blood sample. Tests revealed his blood alcohol concentration was 0.246—more than three times the legal limit.
READ MORE > Anoka County coverage
The initial investigation indicates that both Wydella’s level of intoxication and speed contributed to the severity of the crash. Investigators are still working to determine the exact speed of Wydella’s vehicle as part of a full accident reconstruction.
Wydella has been charged with two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide: one for operating a motor vehicle with negligence while under the influence of alcohol, and another for driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Wydella was taken into custody and is being held without bail pending an initial court appearance Thursday morning.
> See more of our latest coverage
