Motorist Charged for Injury Crash on Hwy. 14 in Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A motorist involved in a Rochester injury crash earlier this year is now facing charges. 

See Also: Teen & Trucker Traveling in Opposite Directions Collide on I-90 Southwest of Rochester 

That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Wednesday.

The crash occurred on the afternoon of August 8 at an intersection in southeast Rochester. Three people were injured as a result of the crash. 

Charges: Motorist Admits to Drinking Before Injury Crash at Hwy. 14 in Southeast Rochester

22-year-old Jose Antonio Cruz Aranda is charged with three counts of gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation-negligence and three gross misdemeanor counts of criminal vehicular operation under the influence of alcohol. 

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The crash occurred at the intersection of Hwy. 14 and College Dr. SE. Cruz is accused of cutting across traffic to turn north onto College Dr. SE when he struck the victim's vehicle, the complaint says. 

The driver of the victim vehicle tried to swerve out of the way but could not, the charges say. Two women and a girl were in the vehicle allegedly hit by Cruz. 

While first responders were rendering aid at the scene, a firefighter informed a Rochester police officer that Cruz smelled of alcohol. Cruz said he had two drinks prior to the crash, according to the court document. 

See Also: Hastings Man Accused of Intentionally Ramming Pick-up on Hwy. 52 in Rochester 

A blood sample collected at the time of the crash indicated Cruz had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.07, which is just under the legal limit, the court document says. 

The occupants of the victim vehicle suffered small lacerations and bruising. The complaint does say if anyone was brought to a hospital. 

Cruz is being charged by summons and is due to make his first court appearance next Spring.