UPDATE: Suspected DWI Driver Arrested After Three-Vehicle Crash on I-35E in Mendota Heights
Updated: April 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA— Authorities have released new details following a three-vehicle crash that shut down a portion of southbound Interstate 35E early Saturday morning in Mendota Heights.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, troopers responded just before 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, to a crash near Marie Avenue involving three vehicles. The incident began with a Dodge Durango, driven by a 21-year-old female from Bloomington, that was stalled in the lane of traffic before being crashed into by a Tesla, which then hit a Ford Taurus.
The driver of the Tesla suffered minor threatening injuries, and no injuries were reported to the driver of the Ford.
The driver of the Durango was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. Alcohol use is suspected, and she has been booked into the Dakota County Jail for suspicion of DWI and Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO).
The crash forced the closure of all southbound lanes of I-35E at Highway 13, diverting traffic off the freeway at Highway 13. The closure lasted approximately an hour and 15 minutes while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and conduct an initial investigation. The road was reopened around 6:47 AM.
Responding agencies included the Mendota Heights Fire Department, Allina Health, the Minnesota State Patrol, Mendota Heights Police Department, and MnDOT FIRST.
This case remains open and under active investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Written by: Will Wight
