Head-on Crash in Rochester Injures Young Girl

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)-A Six-year-old Eyota girl was among four people injured following a head-on crash that Rochester police suspect involved a driver under the influence of drugs.

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Officers responded to the crash at the 5700 block of Bandel Road NW. around 7 p.m. Thursday. Police say a witness reported seeing a southbound vehicle drift into the oncoming traffic lane and collide with a vehicle traveling north.

The southbound driver, identified as 37-year-old Jesse Duncan of Eyota, was arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation and other charges. Officers say he showed signs of impairment. Police obtained a warrant to test Duncan’s blood and have sent a sample to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Court filings indicate that Duncan has a lengthy record of traffic violations and other offenses.

Duncan, the six-year-old girl and a 38-year-old passenger were transported to St. Mary's Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The northbound driver, identified as a Rochester man, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was the sole occupant in the northbound vehicle.