Most people pray for nice weather when they go camping, but the severe storm that rolled through on Saturday night likely saved a number of lives after a drunk driver drove over numerous tents in St. Croix State Park east of Hinckley.
The incident began around 3 a.m. on Sunday morning after police received numerous calls from concerned campers. According to callers, a man in a white SUV was driving recklessly through the park, smashing into tents and at least one recreational vehicle. The suspect didn’t get far, as he smashed his SUV into a tree a short while later before taking off on foot into the woods with a small child. Authorities arrived on the scene and were able to locate the suspect with the assistance of eye witnesses.
When police caught up with Lonnie Jones, 38, they quickly noticed that he was under the influence of alcohol. He was eventually charged with gross misdemeanor driving under the influence, and authorities say additional charges are possible. Jones has three previous DWIs on his record in Minnesota.
Authorities say the incident could have been much worse had it not been for the severe storm that rolled through, as all the campers in the tents that were struck by Jones had already sought shelter in their vehicles.
“It is believed that the severe storm that had just come through the area saved multiple lives,” the sheriff’s office said. “People who would have been in tents that were run over had sought shelter in their cars during the storm.”
The child was found safe with its mother and was taken to a local hospital to be examined, but was later discharged. Nobody at the campground suffered any injuries, which by all accounts, is a miracle.
Minnesota Gross Misdemeanor DUI
It sounds as if Jones will face other penalties for his reckless joyride, but he’s got plenty on his plate already with the gross misdemeanor charge. Under Minnesota law, Jones will face these potential penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fine up to $3,000
- Loss of driver’s license
Should Jones lose his license, he’ll have a few more fees to pay before he’ll be eligible for reinstatement. In order to get your driver’s license after it’s been revoked for DUI, a person needs to pay a $680 reinstatement fee, pass a DWI knowledge test, pay the fees associated with the driver’s license itself, and pass a chemical health assessment.
