Driver Killed When SUV Crashes into Blaine Home

A Blaine couple woke up to find an SUV at the bottom of their staircase and gas filling their home.

"I saw kind of like a mist coming up the stairs, I think it was the gas that was leaking out," said homeowner Jeff Salmi.

Police received a call around 3 a.m. about a suspicious vehicle, and just as they spotted the SUV, it sped down Terrace Road, near 105th Avenue NE. When the SUV hit the house, it also broke the gas line.

"I just heard the police officers yelling, they were saying, 'There's a gas leak, get out of the house right now, as soon as you can, get out, get out'" Salmi said.

Surrounding homes were evacuated while CenterPoint Energy shut off the gas. The 31-year-old driver died on the scene.

"Police didn't even have the vehicle in sight when the crash happened and they came across the big plume of smoke and dust, debris and everything else," said Detective Mike Lapham with the Anoka County Sheriff's Department.

"I thought it was a dream, or a nightmare I should say. I'm just glad we got out. That's the main thing," Salmi said.

The driver's family released the following statement:

"We are deeply grateful for the life of our son, husband and father, Matthew Joseph Gray. We are thankful that no one else was injured this morning. We ask for your prayers and request privacy during this time of grief."