Driver In Fatal Valentines Day Crash Had 10-12 Drinks
The 53-year-old driver in a fatal Valentines Day evening crash outside of Hampton in Dakota County had around 10 drinks at a restaurant the night of the accident, according to the Star Tribune and the complaint.
Michael Serres has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the rollover on Hwy. 50, about a quarter-mile from the couple’s home in Hampton. Serres' 49-year-old passenger, Terri Stephenson, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Serres was still in jail prior to his scheduled court appearance today.
At the scene of the crash, Serres refused to submit to a preliminary breath test. According to the charging complaint while the officer was holding the device close to Serres’ face, it “registered the presence of alcohol." Also in the complaint, it was stated that the driver, Serres, "admitted having 10 to 12 drinks at a nearby dining spot before getting behind the wheel."
It was noted in the State Patrol's crash report that the roads at the time of the crash at the intersection of Inga Ave and Highway 50 were snow and ice covered, and the passenger, Stephenson, was not wearing a seatbelt.