Hennepin County sheriff faces 4 charges after impaired driving crash

Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson has been charged after an impaired driving crash that sent him to the hospital, the Department of Public Safety announced Friday.

Hutchinson, of Bloomington, is facing four misdemeanors after a single-vehicle rollover crash around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 94, about 5 miles east of Alexandra, Wednesday. He admitted to drinking before getting on the road.

The Douglas County Attorney charged Hutchinson with fourth-degree driving while impaired, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 within two hours and carrying a pistol under the influence of alcohol, according to a press release.

Hutchinson suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Alomere Hospital by ambulance. Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the crash "suspected impairment," according to the release.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension determined his blood alcohol content was .13 from urine sample obtained via a warrant by a state trooper.

The crash is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol. Hutchinson was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he was believed to have been wearing his seatbelt.

Hutchinson released a statement about the incident Wednesday:

"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.

"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."

There is no further information available at this time.