Brownsville man charged with driving drunk, stealing good samaritan’s car
LA CRESCENT, MN — A Brownsville man accused of driving drunk, crashing into other cars, and stealing a witness’ vehicle was charged in court Monday.
24 year old John Mullen appeared in Houston County Court, charged with several counts including car theft, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Authorities say Mullen was traveling on Highway 16 south of La Crescent last Thursday when he lost control and struck two vehicles, sending two people to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
When a good samaritan stopped at the crash scene to help, Mullen allegedly stole their car and took off. He was arrested a short time later.
A preliminary breath test showed Mullen blew a .221, almost three times the legal limit to drive.
He’s being held in Houston County on several bonds totaling almost $200,000.
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A Brownsville man is arrested after a car crash just south of La Crescent Thursday afternoon.
It happened where Highway 16 meets Highway 26 between La Crescent and Hokah.
Three cars were involved.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a car driven by 24 year old John Mullen of Brownsville was traveling south on Highway 16 when he lost control and struck a vehicle driven by Jeremy Marker of Weyauwega, WI. Mullen’s car then proceeded to hit a vehicle driven by 19 year old Matthew Woods of La Crescent before rolling into the southbound lane.
Both Marker and Woods were transported by Tri-State Ambulance to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse with non-life threatening injuries.
21200360The Minnesota State Patrol says Mullen stole a bystander’s vehicle at the crash scene and took off. He was arrested minutes later. He was taken by ambulance to a La Crosse hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Mullen was booked into the La Crosse Co. jail on an out-of-state warrant, unrelated to the crash.
The Minnesota State Patrol says alcohol was detected on Mullen at the time of the crash, but they do not have results from blood alcohol tests.
He’s expected to be extradited to Houston Co. sometime in the next few days where he will face charges related to the crash and stolen vehicle.
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A crash just south of La Crescent Thursday afternoon sent three people to the hospital and slowed the evening commute.
It happened where Highway 16 meets Highway 26 between La Crescent and Hokah.
The Minnesota State Patrol says three cars were involved, one flipped over. It has yet to determine what caused the crash.
Traffic was backed up for miles while crews worked to clear the scene.
Tri-State Ambulance transported three people to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
