Charges: Teen High on Delta 9 THC Caused Injury Crash at Rochester Intersection

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Zumbrota teenager is facing a lengthy list of charges stemming from an injury crash that happened in Rochester last year. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Olmsted County Court. The two-vehicle crash occurred on March 3, 2023. 

The criminal complaint says Rochester Police responded to the two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 37th St. and 18th Ave. in northwest Rochester where vehicles traveling in opposite directions on 18th Ave. collided. 

The driver of the southbound vehicle said he entered the intersection with a solid green light when a northbound car attempted a left turn in front of his vehicle, causing the vehicles to collide, according to the complaint. 

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A passenger in the southbound vehicle was treated at the scene for injuries to his neck and back and a person riding in the northbound vehicle reported head and back pain, the complaint says. 

The charges identify the driver of the northbound vehicle as 17-year-old Tyler David Blakstad. He told officers he did not see the southbound vehicle and that he had smoked cannabis before the crash. 

A test of a sample of Blakstad’s blood detected the presence of Delta 9 THC and active metabolites of Delta 9 THC, the court document says. 

He’s being charged as an adult and faces four counts of gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation and two counts of misdemeanor DWI. 

Blackstad is due to make his first court appearance next month.

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