Wrong-Way Driver Smashes Into Rochester Building, Hits Other Cars

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police have arrested a wrong-way motorist accused of striking multiple vehicles and smashing into a city building.

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Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson says the ordeal began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The driver was first spotted in the area of a busy intersection that has lane closures due to construction.

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Wrong Way Driver Arrested After Striking City of Rochester, MN Building, Other Vehicles

Grayson says the motorist was seen driving the wrong way, striking five vehicles and weaving in and out of traffic near the intersection of Elton Hills Dr. Northwest and North Broadway Ave.

The motorist continued west on Elton Hills Dr. before turning north onto West River Pkwy, police say.

The vehicle then sped north on the river road before smashing into the City of Rochester’s Development Service Infrastructure building at 4001 West River Pkwy., which is just north of the river road’s intersection with 37th St. Northwest, according to the police report.

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Officers arrested the motorist who was suspected of driving impaired, Grayson said. Police identified the motorist as 35 year-old Megan Swanstrom of Rochester.

She was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault, second degree assault, felony fleeing, DWI and other charges.

Swanstrom was evaluated at St. Mary's Hospital then taken to the Olmsted County Jail. No injuries were reported.

The Rochester Fire Department responded to the scene to evaluate the building’s structural integrity and determined the structure was safe, according to Grayson.

Story updated to include new information from the Rochester Police Department