Rochester Man Arrested After Falling Asleep on Hwy. 52, Crashing into Tree, Deck & Vehicle

Marion Township, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man was arrested after crashing on Hwy. 52 over the weekend. 

See Also: Man Dies After Being Struck by Train at Rochester Rail Crossing 

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Parkin says the crash occurred around 12:15 on Saturday morning. The crash was initially reported as an accident with injuries. 

Parkin says the crash investigation indicates the driver fell asleep behind the wheel, crashed into a tree then kept going before hitting a deck and a parked vehicle.

Get our free mobile app

The vehicle came to rest in the 5400 block of Hwy. 52 Southeast in Marion Township, which is just south of the Hwy. 52/I-90 interchange, according to the crash report. 

33-year-old James Benson was identified as the driver. He was determined to be uninjured. 

Parkin said deputies suspected Benson of driving impaired and arrested him on suspicion of fourth-degree DWI. 

No other injuries were reported. An estimate of the property damage caused by the single-vehicle crash is not available. 

More Minnesota News:

• Vehicle Crashes Into Downtown Rochester Restaurant 
• Plea Deal for Rochester Man Found With Drugs, AK-47 in Vehicle
• Minnesota Man Found Dead in Boundary Waters Canoe Area