DWI suspect escapes SUV before train collision in North Mankato
- A North Mankato man was taken into custody for suspected drunk driving after his SUV was hit by a train.
- The driver reported that his vehicle got stuck on the tracks while making a U-turn, and he was found nearby.
- He refused a DWI test and is being held in jail, awaiting formal charges, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.
In the early hours of Sunday, a 53-year-old man from North Mankato was apprehended on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after a dramatic incident involving his SUV and a train. The event occurred just before 2:30 a.m. on County Road 114 in Lake Crystal, located southwest of Mankato. According to the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office, the driver reported that his vehicle became stuck on the train tracks while attempting to make a U-turn. Fortunately, there were no other passengers in the SUV, and no injuries were reported as a result of the collision with the Union Pacific train. Upon arrival, deputies located the driver nearby, who was visibly shaken by the incident. He refused to submit to a DWI test, which raised further suspicions regarding his state at the time of the accident. Additionally, the driver mentioned that his SUV lacked an ignition interlock device, a requirement due to previous restrictions on his driver's license. This violation added to the seriousness of the situation. The sheriff's office took the man into custody, and he is currently being held at the Blue Earth County Jail, awaiting formal charges. The incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the potential consequences that can arise from such reckless behavior. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible driving, especially in situations involving alcohol. This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with driving under the influence and the legal repercussions that can follow.