Hackensack Man Charged After Cass County DWI Crash

Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hackensack man is facing multiple DWI charges after a single-vehicle crash in Cass County.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Cass County District Court, Stephen Anthony Andert, 64, of Hackensack, was charged with gross misdemeanor DWI offenses.

The charges stem from a crash reported on May 2, 2026, on State Highway 84 near milepost 19 in Cass County.

Crash Investigation Leads To DWI Charges

Authorities said Andert was found inside a sport utility vehicle after it left the roadway.

The vehicle reportedly struck a power box and a wooden post before coming to rest in a swamp area.

Emergency responders found Andert inside the vehicle. The complaint states he appeared to be unconscious when first contacted.

Responders reported smelling alcohol and later observed signs that raised concerns about possible impairment.

Andert was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Crosby. He was later transported by air to St. Cloud for additional medical care.

Blood Test Shows High Alcohol Level

The complaint states medical personnel found Andert had a blood alcohol concentration of .22.

A search warrant was later obtained for a blood sample.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tested the sample.

The report showed a blood alcohol concentration of .217 from the sample collected after the crash.

Investigators later spoke with Andert at his Hackensack residence.

According to the complaint, Andert said he did not remember much about the crash.

He reportedly told investigators he had consumed about four shots before driving.

Previous DWI Convictions Listed

The complaint states Andert has two prior impaired driving convictions within the past 10 years.

One conviction was entered in Aitkin County in 2024 for driving with an alcohol concentration over .08.

Another DWI conviction was entered in Hennepin County in 2023.

Because of the alleged prior convictions and the reported alcohol level, prosecutors included aggravating factors in the charges.

Charges Filed In Cass County

Andert faces charges for operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more within two hours of driving.

He also faces a charge for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Each charge carries a possible maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Court records show the charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court records can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.