Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor charges stemming from a fiery crash last year that heavily damaged a local business and came close to claiming his own life.

33-year-old Justin Lysne, who previously used the last name Kelly was driving a minivan that smashed into the rear of the Saigon-Far East Asian Market along 18th Avenue Northwest on February 16th, 2019. Police officers arrived at the scene and risked their lives to pull the unconscious driver out of the smashed vehicle, which had caught fire after rupturing a natural gas line. His two passengers were able to get out on their own, according to the criminal complaint, told police Lysne was "driving around 80 mph prior to the accident.” The charges also indicated his blood-alcohol-concentration was later tested .241.

Lysne entered into a plea agreement yesterday in Olmsted County Court and admitted to a pair of criminal vehicular operation charges involving drunk driving. Two felony-level counts of the same charge were dismissed.

Lysne was sentenced to six years on probation and was ordered to serve six days in jail. He was also given a stayed one-year jail sentence that could be imposed if he fails to meet the terms of his probation.

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