A Lakefield man was arrested for driving under the influence following a Christmas Eve car crash.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Jackson County 20 between Lakefield and Okabena on Christmas Eve. A 2020 Honda Pilot was travelling eastbound on Jackson County 20 with three occupants. A 2014 Chrysler 300 operated by a 16-year-old female from rural Heron Lake was travelling westbound on Jackson County 20.
The sheriff's office reported that the Honda crossed the centerline and into the westbound lane, sideswiping the Chrysler. One passenger in the Honda was transported to an area hospital by the Lakefield Ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. After investigating, the driver of the Honda -- Artimo Diaz Diaz, 28 — was arrested for DUI. He was also issued a citation for no Minnesota driver's license and no insurance.
The Lakefield and Okabena fire departments also assisted at the scene.
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A pair of Luverne teenagers were taken to Pipestone's hospital following a single-vehicle crash on Christmas Day.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by one of the two 17-year-old females in the vehicle was traveling southbound on U.S. 75 in snow/ice conditions when it left the roadway and rolled, landing on its roof. The crash was reported at 11:02 p.m. Dec. 25 from milepost 21 in Rock County's Denver Township.
The State Patrol reported that alcohol was involved in the crash. The Rock County Sheriff's Office, Luverne Ambulance and Hardwick EMS assisted at the scene.
