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.
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.
Kyle Hooten
Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.