Hennepin County Sheriff Pleads Guilty To DUI

MINNESOTA — Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson Friday pled guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge in a single-car crash that happened just outside of Alexandria on Interstate 94 last week.

"As Sheriff, I made the wellness of my staff a priority; however, I didn’t practice what I preached," Hutchinson said in a statement.

"This incident is a wake-up call for me. I understand the seriousness of my actions, for which I take full responsibility."

Hutchinson said he is now enrolled in an outpatient treatment program to address his issues with alcohol and overall health.

"This is the first step in the road toward recovery and regaining the trust of the people I work with and the residents of Hennepin County whom I serve," he added. "I have returned to work and will focus on my duties as Sheriff."

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