Suspected drunk-driver airlifted after pursuit, crash in St. Michael

A suspected drunk driver was airlifted with injuries following a police pursuit and crash in St. Michael Sunday night.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office said deputies received a traffic complaint regarding an erratic driver at 10:25 p.m. A deputy found the suspect driving his Dodge pickup in Otsego.

After the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect fled south on Quam Avenue, eventually merging onto the southbound lanes of Hwy. 101.

The pursuit continued on the highway, onto the off-ramp of 45th Street NE in St. Michael. The pursuing deputy clipped the pickup truck, causing it to roll over.

Deputies and local firefighters extricated the driver from the truck. He was then airlifted to Regions Hospital to treat his injuries.

The driver was identified as a 44-year-old man of La Crescent, Minnesota. Bring Me the News typically won't name suspects until they have officially been charged.

Authorities say officers found evidence inside the truck that suggests the man was consuming alcohol and may have been impaired at the time of the incident.

An investigation remains active.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.