Officials say Deputy Washington Co. off duty caused a head-on accident under the influence of alcohol

AFTON, Minn. — Authorities say an off-duty Washington County sheriff’s deputy caused a crash involving alcohol.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash occurred around 10:39 a.m. Sunday in Afton on Highway 95 at Scenic Lane.

There, a 58-year-old Hastings man driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was traveling northbound on the highway when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2022 Ford Expedition, the patrol said.

The driver and passenger of the Ford, a 38-year-old Lake Elmo man and a 36-year-old Woodbury woman, respectively, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the driver of the Subaru was one of their deputies who was off-duty at the time. He also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The State Patrol said it was alcohol-related but did not provide further details.

“We are aware of a traffic accident that resulted in the death of an off-duty Washington County deputy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement shared with WCCO. “The Minnesota State Patrol is currently investigating the incident and, pending the outcome of the investigation, we will take all appropriate actions in accordance with our policies and procedures.”

All three people involved in the accident were taken to Regional Hospital for treatment. Everyone was wearing seat belts.