Bayport Squad Struck by Suspected Drunk Driver

While Bayport Police were conducting a traffic stop on Highway 95 early Sunday morning, a suspected drunken driver rear ended a squad car and ended up in the ditch.

While on a traffic stop in front of First State Bank early Sunday morning, a Bayport police officer heard squealing tires behind him, turned around and saw a vehicle “traveling at a high rate of speed out of control and traveling straight toward my squad,” the report states.

“I ran out of the way to avoid being struck by the motor vehicle that crashed into the rear of my squad," the report reads, "and ended up in the west side of Highway 95.”

William Kent Ferris, 58, of Lakeville, was arrested for suspicion second-degree driving while impaired.

No one was injured as a result of the crash.

After hitting the squad car, Ferris allegedly attempted to drive away.

Officers reportedly smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Ferris while making the arrest. The Minnesota State Patrol was then called to the scene to complete the report.

Ferris was transported to Washington County Jail.

“I’m very glad no one got hurt,” Bayport Police Chief Laura Eastman said. “Drinking and driving can be a deadly decision; this is just another example as to why we aggressively arrest drunk drivers and will continue to do so.”

The state patrol’s accident report was not immediately available. Check back for additional details as more information is released.