On October 17, 2025, at approximately 11:55 pm, a citizen contacted Blue Earth County dispatch to report that they had heard a loud crash near their residence near the intersection of HWY 68 and County Road 11. Upon looking outside, they noted a stationary vehicle, with its light on, near the intersection. The caller did not know if there had been an accident or if anyone was injured. Deputy Kevin Schnorenberg was dispatched to the scene. The caller provided updated information that the vehicle was in the ditch and that the male driver was moving inside.
The caller advised that the entire windshield was cracked and that it was unknown if there were any other occupants besides the driver. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Schnorenberg noted that the vehicle was a significant distance off the roadway, southeast of the intersection of Highway 68 and County Road 11. The front windshield was shattered and pushed inward, and the driver’s door was open. The Deputy made contact with the adult male seated in the driver’s seat. The male verbally identified himself as “Wade.” I later confirmed via a DVS photograph that he was the registered owner, Wade Alan Anderson, [DOB REDACTED]. The Deputy noted that the backs of Anderson’s hands were bloodied, and there were a couple of fresh injuries on his forehead.
Anderson denied being injured or experiencing any pain. He also denied having any passengers in the vehicle. The front passenger seat was evenly covered in broken glass, and the front passenger door appeared to still be locked. Anderson’s speech was heavily slurred, and he was mumbling. His eyes were glassy and watery, and the Deputy could detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. Anderson was unable to provide any details about the crash or his activities leading up to it.
After repeated questioning, Anderson eventually said he was driving toward Mankato. Anderson repeatedly denied being injured and said he could walk. The Deputy assisted Anderson back to the shoulder of Highway 68 to be evaluated by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (MCAS). Anderson swayed and stumbled as he walked, repeatedly appearing as though he was going to fall. He asked the Deputy every couple of minutes to identify himself, as though the two had not previously spoken. MCAS personnel evaluated Anderson on scene and advised that they did not observe any indication of life-threatening injuries.
They reported that Anderson had small pieces of broken glass inside and around numerous lacerations on the backs of both hands and on his right shin. They recommended that he receive treatment at the Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato (MCHS) Emergency Room to clean out the broken glass. Anderson declined medical transport on scene. Anderson would not provide a response to the Deputy’s questions regarding alcohol consumption. The Deputy retrieved his Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) device and manually tripped a weak breath sample provided by Anderson.
