Driver Charged in Coon Rapids Crash That Seriously Injured 2
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A Roseville man is charged after allegedly driving while intoxicated, crossing into oncoming traffic and seriously injuring two people in a head-on crash in Coon Rapids.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at the intersection of Coon Rapids Boulevard Northwest and Xavis Street Northwest.
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Prosecutors charged 27-year-old Anthony Taylor Brooks Thrasher with felony criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm. According to a criminal complaint, officers arriving at the crash found Thrasher seated in the driver’s seat as the lone occupant of one of the vehicles involved.
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Investigators say Thrasher had been driving westbound on Coon Rapids Boulevard when he crossed into eastbound lanes and struck another vehicle head-on. The driver and a passenger inside the other vehicle were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the driver was believed to have suffered a broken collarbone, though the full extent of injuries has not been released as of publication.
Officers reported several signs of impairment while speaking with Thrasher, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage, slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes. According to the complaint, Thrasher refused to perform field sobriety testing and declined to provide a breath test.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was collected at Mercy Hospital. Results of that testing were still pending at the time charges were filed earlier this week.
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Jail records show Thrasher was booked Jan. 30 and was released Feb. 3. Court records did not list a bail amount.
Other court records show Thrasher has prior traffic convictions, including a 2024 speeding conviction in Ramsey County, a 2023 conviction for operating a vehicle with expired registration in Anoka County, a 2022 conviction for failing to stop at a stop sign in Anoka County and a 2020 speeding conviction in Lake County.
If convicted, Thrasher faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
