Alcohol suspected factor in Albert Lea crash

Published 8:42 pm Sunday, March 18, 2018

An Albert Lea man reportedly had alcohol in his system when a vehicle he drove struck a railroad-crossing pole Saturday morning in Albert Lea.

Donte Love, 20, is facing possible charges of misdemeanor driving after suspension, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while intoxicated, pending results from a blood draw.

Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the crash at approximately 2 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and 19th Street on a report that a 2002 black Honda Civic struck a railroad crossing pole, causing the airbags to deploy.

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Love was driving the Honda east on 19th Street, approaching the intersection of Highway 65, when he drove too fast around a curve, causing the front of the vehicle to strike the pole, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The pole was not damaged.

Love and Skyler Tovar, 20, of Albert Lea, reportedly fled the scene after the crash. Tovar, 20, is expected to be charged with misdemeanor underage drinking.

Driver and passenger airbags deployed in the crash.

Love was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea with injuries deemed not life-threatening.

 

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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