VIDEO: Deputy Struck, Injured at Minnesota Crash Scene
A still image from squad car video released to MN CRIME
A Douglas County sheriff’s deputy was injured Sunday night when he was struck while assisting at another crash scene.
The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. on Interstate 94 about 15 miles northwest of Alexandria in the westbound lanes. Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were assisting the Minnesota State Patrol with a single-vehicle crash where a car had previously slid off the roadway and struck the median cable barriers.
As deputies were at the scene, an 18-year-old driver identified as Dominic Leo of Albany, Minn, collided with the parked Douglas County squad car at interstate speeds. The squad car, with its emergency lights activated and flares placed in the roadway, was struck from behind while the 23-year-old deputy was seated inside. The deputy was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Both the deputy and Leo sustained serious injuries and were transported to Alomere Health in Alexandria by North Memorial Ambulance and Ashby Ambulance. Westbound traffic was significantly delayed as crews worked to clear the scene.
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to exercise caution, especially in hazardous conditions. Drivers are also reminded to adhere to Minnesota's Move Over Law, which requires drivers to leave at least one lane between their vehicle and stopped emergency or service vehicles.
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