An off-duty Washington Co. officer caused a head-on crash in which alcohol was involved, officials say

AFTON, Minn. – Authorities say an off-duty Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy caused an alcohol-related accident.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the accident 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 north 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 in the Ford, a 38-year-old man from Lake Elmo and a 36-year-old woman from Woodbury, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the driver of the Subaru is one of their deputies and that he was off-duty at the time. He also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. State police say alcohol was involved but did not provide further details.

“We are aware of a personal injury motor vehicle accident involving an off-duty Washington County officer,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement shared with WCCO. “The Minnesota State Patrol is currently investigating the incident and we will take all appropriate actions in accordance with our policies and procedures until the investigation reaches a conclusion.”

All three people involved were taken to Regions Hospital for treatment. They were all wearing seatbelts.