Charges Filed Against Driver Who Fled Crash in Apple Valley in September
Updated: December 31, 2024 at 2:55 PM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA— We have an update on one of two incidents that occurred back on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after two separate crashes happened along Cedar Avenue around the same time. The first incident was a two-vehicle crash near Cedar Avenue and 147th Street West, which resulted in a driver being arrested for a weapons violation and receiving a citation. The second incident, around 20 minutes later, was a three-vehicle crash where a person fled the scene at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and County Road 42. The driver who fled and was apprehended by Apple Valley Police Officers now faces three felony charges concerning this incident. You can find our original story can be found here: Two Separate Incidents on Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley Lead to Arrests and Ongoing Investigations.
According to a criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office for a nationwide warrant, the second incident occurred at 5:38 PM at the intersection of County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue and involved a three-vehicle crash. Following the collision, one of the drivers fled the scene on foot, prompting a swift response from police. The suspect, later identified as Samonty Sam Ouk-Theng of Burnsville, MN, was apprehended nearby after a brief chase.
Charges Filed Against Ouk-Theng
Ouk-Theng has been charged with multiple felonies:
Felony 1st Degree Driving While Impaired (Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Prior Felony Conviction)
Felony 1st Degree Driving While Impaired (Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Prior Felony Conviction)
Felony Controlled Substance Crime in the 3rd Degree (Sale of a Narcotic)
According to the criminal complaint, Ouk-Theng allegedly rear-ended a black Lexus GS300 at the intersection, causing a chain reaction involving a white Chrysler Pacifica. Witnesses reported that he allegedly fled the scene carrying a black and red backpack, which officers later recovered. Inside the backpack, police allegedly found documents belonging to Ouk-Theng and multiple baggies containing a white powdery substance suspected to be fentanyl, as well as a larger bag containing what officers believe to be a cutting agent.
Additional evidence was allegedly discovered in the red Dodge Durango driven by Ouk-Theng. A search revealed a digital scale in the center console and more narcotics packaged for sale in the glovebox.
Blood Tests and Impairment
The criminal complaint states that Officers observed signs of impairment in Ouk-Theng, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady movements, and drowsiness while in custody. A search warrant was obtained for his blood, which court documents state tested positive for cocaine and MDMA, both Schedule I or II controlled substances.
Details of the Crash
The crash caused significant damage to all three vehicles. The driver of the Lexus, which was struck from behind, reported that they were stopped at a traffic light when the collision occurred. After speaking with medics at the scene, they transported themselves to the hospital. The extent of injuries for the Lexus driver and others involved has not yet been disclosed.
Criminal History, Bail Conditions, Warrant Execution
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office issued a nationwide warrant for Ouk-Theng’s arrest on December 30, 2024. Court records show that the warrant was executed around 3 AM on December 31, 2024, in Hastings, Minnesota. Ouk-Theng has a criminal history that includes multiple prior convictions for felony DWI, fleeing law enforcement, and drug-related offenses, among others, according to court documents. Prosecutors have requested $100,000 bail without conditions or $75,000 with strict conditions. His bond was eventually set at $80,000 without conditions and $50,000 with conditions.
Written by: Will Wight
