Trucker Who Drove Towards Protesters On I-35W Released From Jail

MINNEAPOLIS — The man who drove his tanker truck towards a crowd of protesters on the Interstate 35W bridge Sunday has been released from Hennepin County Jail without being charged. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Tuesday that the truck driver has been deferred "pending further investigation."

"Investigators are in the process of gathering additional information and answers to aid in the charging decision."

Just before 6 p.m. Sunday, protesters were sitting on the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River when a truck barreled toward them before stopping. No demonstrators were injured.

The truck driver told authorities that the protesters worked to protect him, even after he almost ran them over moments prior, according to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The driver was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on probable cause assault. However, Minnesota Department of Safety John Harrington said at a news conference Tuesday that it does not appear the trucker's actions were intentional.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation began shutting down highways at 5 p.m. Sunday in and around the Twin Cities. According to Harrington, the truck was already on I-35W as authorities were closing the road.