Hennepin County Sheriff Charged With DWI, Weapons Crime

DOUGLAS COUNTY, MN — Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson was charged with a DWI and three other misdemeanors in a single-car crash that happened just outside of Alexandria on Interstate 94 early Wednesday morning.

The Minnesota State Patrol served Hutchinson a summons at Alomere Hospital Friday night.

Hutchinson is charged 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
• Carrying a Pistol Under the Influence of Alcohol

Hutchinson’s blood alcohol content was .13, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The single-car rollover crash happened five miles east of Alexandria on Interstate 94 at about 2:30 a.m., authorities said.

Douglas County Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash scene and suspected impairment.

Hutchinson, of Bloomington, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Alomere Hospital. He was wearing a seat belt, authorities said.

A trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol obtained a warrant and collected a urine sample from Hutchinson to determine impairment.

"Early this morning, I was involved in single car crash in Douglas County near Alexandria, MN. I was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries," Hutchinson said in a statement.

"The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating this crash as a DUI. 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."

Hutchinson was first elected county sheriff in 2018.