2 seriously injured after vehicle hits Detroit Lakes building, 1 in custody

Police say two people are recovering from serious injuries after a man crashed into a Detroit Lakes building.

According to the Detroit Lakes Police Department, officers were called to the 700 block of West Lake Drive shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a vehicle crashing into a building, which caused multiple people to be seriously injured and trapped in debris.

In addition, police were told the collision caused a “significant natural gas leak,” and witnesses told officers the vehicle and driver left the scene, however, they were able to provide a vehicle description and a license plate number.

First responders from multiple agencies helped pull those who were trapped in the debris to safety.

The two people who were trapped were then taken to Essentia St. Mary’s in Detroit Lakes before being transferred to a hospital in Fargo.

Police say the two 77-year-old victims from Detroit Lakes — identified as Frank and Jacklyn Benninger — appeared to both be in bed when the vehicle hit the building they were staying in.

Their current conditions have not been released.

While responding to the scene, an officer spotted a vehicle parked near the area of Rossman Avenue and Reynolds Street that matched the description of the one that hit the building. Police say a 53-year-old Detroit Lakes man was located with the vehicle and he was eventually arrested for the following offenses:

• Criminal Vehicular Operation – Great Bodily Harm – Under Influence of Alcohol
• Traffic Collision – Driver Fail to Stop – Injury or Death

No other details were immediately available.

An investigation is ongoing.