South Dakota Man Accused of Hitting Pedestrian While Drunk in Minneapolis

Sep 10

A South Dakota man is facing felony charges after allegedly striking a pedestrian in Minneapolis while driving drunk last month, leaving the victim with severe injuries.

According to a criminal complaint, 47-year-old Ira Nathan LaRoque of Sisseton, S.D., is charged with one count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in great bodily harm.

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Prosecutors say the crash happened on Aug. 2 at the intersection of East Lake Street and 21st Avenue South.

Officers arrived to find emergency crews loading the victim into an ambulance while firefighters washed a large blood stain from the crosswalk. Police say surveillance footage, though partially obstructed, appeared to show the victim in the crosswalk when they were hit.

LaRoque, identified as the driver, remained on scene. Officers reported he smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and was stumbling. His vehicle had a shattered windshield, hood damage and a hole in the driver’s side with hair attached around the edges. Police also found an empty liquor shooter bottle and another small bottle in a paper bag inside the vehicle.

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A blood draw later revealed LaRoque’s blood-alcohol concentration was .214, nearly three times the legal limit.

The complaint noted the victim spent an extended period of time in the hospital before being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Doctors documented multiple serious injuries including a brain bleed, fractures in the spine and both legs, ligament injuries, a laceration to the right cheek, facial abrasions and broken nasal and orbital bones.

LaRoque was initially arrested at the scene, but was released pending a charging decision. A warrant was then issued, with prosecutors citing public safety concerns and the need to ensure his appearance in court.

If convicted, LaRoque faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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