Suspected Impaired Driver Hits Minnesota Deputy’s Squad

Milan, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Chippewa County deputy was injured after a suspected impaired driver struck his vehicle while he was conducting a traffic stop.

The Minnesota State Patrol reports that the squad was parked on the shoulder of Highway 59, about four miles southeast of Milan. The suspected impaired driver was traveling north on the highway and collided with the rear of the squad just after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.

The State Patrol identified the deputy as 31-year-old Jeffrey Jerve of Montevideo. He was transported to the hospital in Montevideo with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the squad was identified as 46-year-old Lawrence Mechura of Appleton, Minnesota. He also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The State Patrol indicated that alcohol was involved in the crash.