Police: Driver who crashed into Los Ocampo was impaired, fought people after getting out of car

KSTP

A gas leak has been stabilized after an SUV crashed into a Frogtown restaurant Thursday around noon.

According to the St. Paul Police Department, a Toyota RAV4 crashed into Los Ocampo restaurant at Dale Street North and University Avenue West. Witnesses told police the 23-year-old motorist had been driving recklessly prior to the crash.

The St. Paul Fire Department said crews were at the scene for about two hours but the situation has since been stabilized and occupants were allowed to return.

A video of the scene shared by the St. Paul Police Department indicates the vehicle was southbound on Dale and went onto the sidewalk before crashing into a half wall on Los Ocampo’s patio area before smashing through windows on the outside of the restaurant.

[anvplayer video=”4989438″ station=”998122″]

[St. Paul Police Department]

Witnesses say the driver then got out of the SUV and fought with a would-be good Samaritan who was trying to help him. He then ran into the street, opened the door of a car that had stopped on Dale and punched the driver in the face multiple times before pulling out a knife and threatening the driver.

Officers arrived on scene shortly after and took the suspect into custody. Police say the suspect was showing signs of being impaired and was taken to Regions Hospital to be treated for facial bruising and swelling.

Police say once the suspect is released from the hospital, he’ll be arrested on suspicion of aggravated asault and gross misdemeanor DWI due to prior DWI convictions.