Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson crashed and rolled a county-owned vehicle while driving drunk early Wednesday morning.
Hutchinson, who ran on a progressive platform aimed at restoring public trust in law enforcement, was driving back to Minneapolis from a Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association conference in Alexandria, Minnesota, when he rolled his vehicle traveling about 70 miles per hour.
Now, he faces four charges, including one for carrying a pistol under the influence of alcohol, per a Friday press release from the Minnesota State Patrol. It has also been revealed that Hutchinson’s blood alcohol level was .13, according to a urine sample collected after the crash — nearly twice the legal limit of .08.
If convicted, he could lose his right to carry a gun, according to Minnesota law. As of publication, Hutchinson has not announced any intent to resign. It is unclear how losing his right to carry may impact future police service.
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Alpha News spoke to a longtime member of the Minneapolis law enforcement community who said they’re disappointed but not surprised that Hutchinson made this mistake.
This individual described the sheriff as a “prolific heavy drinker” who is known to become intoxicated at most events and conventions he attends.
Another source seconded Hutchinson’s proclivity for alcohol, adding that when he made a Thanksgiving radio announcement just after midnight this year many deputies thought their leader sounded drunk.