DRIVER ON DRUGS DRIVES RECKLESSLY KILLS ONE AND INJURES TWO
The Minnesota State Patrol today reported that a 20-year-old Burnsville man has been charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide and two counts of criminal vehicular operation. This is in connection to a rollover crash in Scott County last month. Unfortunately, the crash left a 16-year-old Shakopee student dead and two others injured. Our MN car accident lawyers often deal with this type of situation.
On Sept. 14, Scott County sheriff’s deputies were called to a scene near the 13800 block of Zumbro Avenue. Authorities believe a vehicle was traveling south on Zumbro Avenue when it left the road. Then, the vehicle hit a field approach driveway and overturned. The 16-year-old died at the scene of the crash. Two other passengers were hospitalized with injuries.
According to the criminal complaint, the vehicle – a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Wagon – had extensive damage. In fact, it appeared to have rolled over numerous times before coming to rest on its wheels. Approximately 17 grams of marijuana, several pills which appeared to be Xanax, and an open can of Coors Lite beer were all found at the scene. A Snapchat video sent out an hour-and-a-half before the accident shows the juvenile and the driver taking Xanax bars and drinking Coors Light. After executing a search warrant on the juvenile’s phone, the complaint states authorities learned the driver had left Minnesota for Las Vegas. Spirit Airlines confirmed he had purchased a one-way ticket.
OTHER DRIVER LIES TO GET OUT OF RESPONSIBILITY
According to the MN State Patrol, a juvenile female claimed to be driving the vehicle.The deputy on the scene reportedly noticed an odor of alcohol on her. However, she refused to provide a preliminary breath test. A few days later, the complaint alleges, she told investigators she lied to deputies and stated her ‘boyfriend’ had been at the wheel. She said he told her she needed to tell authorities she was driving after he saw the teenager had died in the rollover.
The complaint also states he told another individual in a text message that, ‘I killed someone on accident. With my rap sheet they’re gonna charge me with manslaughter. I’m gone forever accident or not.’
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in extreme danger.A tragic crash like this is often the result.Our Minnesota car accident lawyers have represented many people injured in an accident because a driver was on drugs. We also represent the family of people killed because another driver was under the influence of drugs.If you or a family member are injured in a MN car accident because of a driver on drugs, call us and speak with an attorney. The initial consultation is free. We will explain your rights, protect your interests, and make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to.