Alcohol believed to be a factor in collision involving UTV in Benton County

Benton County authorities believe alcohol was a factor in a collision involving a UTV that injured three people.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the sheriff’s office was notified of a personal injury crash on 115th Street NE near the intersection of 115th Avenue NE in Alberta Township.

Deputies learned a black 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan had struck the rear end of a 2020 Polaris Ranger as both vehicles were driving westbound on 115th Street NE near the intersection of 115th Avenue NE.

Authorities learned the driver of the Polaris Ranger, identified as Mitchell Todd Czech, 61, from Gilman, was ejected from the driver’s seat along with Kalley Marie Czech, 21, from Gilman, who had been riding in the passenger seat of the UTV.

The driver of the Chrysler 300, identified as Thomas Patrick Fountain, 21, from Royalton, was found to be the lone occupant in the vehicle as it lay on its side in the road ditch.

Deputies and Foley firefighters provided first aid to all three individuals at the scene. Authorities say Fountain was showing signs of intoxication, and they found other evidence indicating that his alcohol consumption was a factor in the crash.

Everyone involved in the crash was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. At the time they were all transported, Mitchell Czech was suffering from life-threatening injuries, and Kalley Czech and Fountain were suffering from serious injuries that weren’t considered to be life-threatening.

At St. Cloud Hospital, a blood draw was conducted on Fountain to determine his blood-alcohol level under the authority of a search warrant. The crash investigation remains active at this time.