Ex-Minneapolis PD Recruit Charged for Drunken Crash into Lake

Oct 29

A Minneapolis Police Academy recruit is no longer employed by the city after he crashed his truck into a lake while allegedly driving drunk in Crow Wing County.

Luke David Tungseth, 37, of Blaine, was charged last week with one count of DWI and one count of carrying a pistol while under the influence.

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Deputies were called to County Road 36 near Little Bass Lake Road on Oct. 17 after a Chevrolet Silverado went off the road and into the water.

According to the criminal complaint, Tungseth was driving around a curve when he lost control and crashed. Deputies noted he had slurred speech, poor balance, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. Tungseth told law enforcement he had consumed two beers, but a breath test measured his blood alcohol content at .200—more than twice the legal limit.

Inside the truck, deputies found multiple firearms, including a handgun in the front seat, a cased rifle in the rear passenger area and another handgun in the bed of the vehicle.

A Minneapolis Police Department spokesperson later confirmed that Tungseth’s first day of employment was Oct. 6 and his last day was Oct. 20, three days after the crash.

Court records show Tungseth has two prior DWI convictions, from 2012 and 2015.

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