Detroit Lakes Excavator Damage Sparks Felony Case
DETROIT LAKES (trfnews.i234.me) — A Phoenix man faces charges after an excavator allegedly damaged several local properties.
Alex Prescott-Hansen, 30, is charged in Becker County District Court.
He faces felony first-degree property damage and misdemeanor driving while impaired.
The charges follow an incident reported on June 21 near 102 West Lake Drive.
Police Respond to Hotel Damage
Detroit Lakes police responded after receiving a report of damage at a hotel.
Officers located Prescott-Hansen and believed he appeared impaired, according to the criminal complaint.
He allegedly admitted trying to drive the excavator after attending a party at Zorbaz.
A Becker County deputy found the excavator near the reported damage.
Investigators believe it was moved from an area near the Lakeside restaurant.
The machine allegedly knocked down a new light pole and damaged a concrete sidewalk.
Damage Reported at Several Locations
The complaint says the excavator continued east toward HUB 41.
It allegedly damaged an outdoor handrail system and destroyed a sailboat sculpture.
Authorities say the machine later struck an awning at the Fairfield hotel.
Several boards or panels were torn away or broken, according to the complaint.
Damage at HUB 41 alone was estimated at $40,000.
Breath Tests Cited in Complaint
Officers reported that Prescott-Hansen had glossy, bloodshot, and watery eyes.
They also reported slurred speech during their contact with him.
A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.175, the complaint states.
A later breath test measured 0.18, according to authorities.
Minnesota’s legal driving limit is 0.08.
Impaired driving information is available from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Judge Orders Detention
A judge ordered Prescott-Hansen detained pending further court proceedings.
First-degree property damage carries a possible five-year prison sentence.
The charge also carries a possible $10,000 fine.
The misdemeanor DWI charge carries up to 90 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $1,000 fine.
The charges are allegations and do not prove guilt.
Prescott-Hansen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Local court details are available from the Becker County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.