St. Paul officer charged with DWI for crashing into building off-duty

An off-duty St. Paul police officer was over the speed limit when he drunkenly crashed into a building in August, according to new criminal charges.

Brian James McKinnon, 30, of St. Paul, is charged with two counts of third-degree DWI in connection with the crash that happened shortly after midnight on Aug. 1 at Third and Maple streets in the Dayton Bluff area.

According to the criminal complaint, McKinnon “appeared to be in shock and very upset” at the scene of the crash.

St. Paul officers responded to the scene, calling in the Minnesota State Patrol to help avoid a conflict of interest.

McKinnon declined medical attention at the scene and told investigators he was westbound on Third Street when he lost control of the vehicle.

McKinnon showed signs of impairment and admitted to drinking two beers before getting behind the wheel, but refused a breathalyzer test at the scene.

After authorities obtained a warrant, he was arrested and blood drawn.

According to the complaint, the samples showed a blood alcohol content of 0.178.

The Minneapolis prosecutor’s office is handling the case.

Each DWI charge McKinnon faces carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.