Suspected drunk driver sideswipes Minn. ambulance and squad car

By Deanna Weniger
Pioneer Press 

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — A suspected drunk driver crossed into oncoming traffic early Monday, sideswiping a Maplewood fire ambulance and squad car before coming to a stop in the center of the roadway. No one was injured.

According to a Minnesota State Patrol report, Jeffrey Bradley Raymond, 27, of Maplewood was driving a 2009 Saturn Vue south on Highway 120 near County Road 14 about 2:30 a.m. when he drove into northbound lanes.

The Maplewood first responders were traveling north. Both swerved onto the right shoulder to avoid the Vue, but were sideswiped.

The Vue was disabled in the center of the roadway blocking both north and south lanes.

The ambulance, driven by Nicholas Danley, 31, of Oakdale, had moderate damage and the squad car, driven by Rachel Murray, 25, of Golden Valley, had minor damage. The Vue had severe damage, according to the report.

The ambulance was transporting a patient suspected of overdosing on drugs, said Cmdr. David Kvam of the Maplewood Police Department. A police officer was in the back of the ambulance assisting the patient. Officer Murray was following in a squad car in order to transport the other officer back after dropping the patient at an area hospital.

“We are very fortunate there were no injuries,” Kvam said.

Road conditions were dry and all three drivers were wearing a seat belt. The report states alcohol was a factor in Raymond’s driving.

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