Sheriff Was Driving 126 MPH Seconds Before DWI Crash: Police

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson was driving at more than 125 mph just seconds before he crashed while driving drunk last month, according to a trove of records released Thursday by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Crash reports also show he wasn't wearing a seat belt when he rolled his county-owned SUV about 2:30 a.m. Dec. 8 on Interstate 94 near Alexandria, despite initial reports from police.

Hutchinson was injured in the crash and taken to Alomere Hospital for treatment. He soon after pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge and was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $610 in fees and fines.

He will avoid a 90-day jail sentence if he does not violate the terms of his probation, which include a chemical assessment, no driver’s license violations, random substance testing and no alcohol use.

Hutchinson's blood-alcohol content was measured several hours after the crash at 0.134, according to a report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Douglas County prosecutors agreed to a continuance on a misdemeanor charge against Hutchinson of carrying a pistol while under the influence.

Hutchinson has since apologized for driving while impaired, although he told police and witnesses at the scene of the crash that someone else was driving the SUV.

Minnesota State Patrol Chief Col. Matt Langer said his agency initially launched its investigation to determine if Hutchinson was driving before he admitted he was behind the wheel.

"There is no minimizing or defending the driving conduct and decisions involved in this situation," Langer said Thursday in a statement. "Mr. Hutchinson's decision to drive impaired, at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour while not wearing a seat belt are the exact opposite of what we know helps to keep people safe on our roads."

Hutchinson called the crash a "wake-up call" and said he is enrolled in an outpatient treatment program to address his issues with alcohol and overall health.

A majority of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has called for Hutchinson’s resignation, but the sheriff has made it clear he will run for re-election in November.

The Hennepin County board does not have authority to remove Hutchinson from the sheriff’s office, as it is an independently elected agency. However, he could face a review by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, MPR News reported.