Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson Charged With DWI In Rollover Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson is facing misdemeanor DWI charges in connection to a rollover crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 94 in central Minnesota.

The Douglas County Attorney's Office announced Friday that Hutchinson, of Bloomington, is charged with fourth-degree driving while impaired, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 within two hours. According to investigators, the sheriff's blood alcohol content was .13, as determined by a urine sample.

Hutchinson is also charged with carrying a pistol under the influence of alcohol.

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Hutchinson, 41, is recovering from broken ribs and other injuries at Alomere Hospital in Alexadria, where he was served his charges. According to Hutchinson's attorney, a state trooper told the sheriff he is "lucky to be alive" after the early morning crash just east of Alexandria. Hutchinson was the only person in the vehicle, a Ford Explorer owned by Hennepin County.

In a statement after the crash, Hutchinson admitted to drinking and driving.

"I made the inexcusable decision to drive after drinking alcohol and I am deeply sorry," he wrote. "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."

The State Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.