Rochester Man Facing Multiple Felonies Tied to 2021 Motorcycle Crash

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Olmsted County prosecutors have charged a Rochester man with multiple felonies that stem from a motorcycle crash last fall.

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The criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court Tuesday indicates witnesses saw 44-year-old Andreas Schmidt and a passenger crash on Hwy. 14 near Dover after a tire blew out on the motorcycle they were riding on Sept. 25. The passenger had to be airlifted from the scene due to a severe leg injury that resulted in her leg being amputated.

A motorist who came up on the scene told authorities they ran over the woman's leg when they swerved to the center lane avoid the crash scene. Responding officers reported the motorcycle was lying in the middle of the road. Schmidt was also hospitalized for injuries he suffered from the crash. The complaint did not detail the severity of Schmidt's injuries.

While searching the motorcycle for items that could identify the woman, a state trooper discovered over 1.3 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 0.3 grams of cyclobenzaprine, 35 blotter squares of LSD, prescription pills, and approximately 60 grams of suspected marijuana in the saddle bag on Schmidt’s motorcycle. The trooper also found notes about drug deals and drug trades for guns. The complaint says Schmidt did not answer investigators questions about the items found in the saddle bag of his motorcycle.

Authorities also secured a handgun that was on Schmidt’s hip at the time of the crash. Investigators obtained a warrant to test Schmidt’s blood after they reportedly smelled alcohol on his breath. The test results showed cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamines in Schmidt’s blood, according to the complaint.

Schmidt is charged with criminal vehicular operation, two counts of felony drug possession and a misdemeanor for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. He's due to make his first court appearance on August 30.