Eagan mayor crashed SUV into snowbank while drunk, charges say

Longtime Eagan Mayor Michael Maguire was well over the legal limit when he crashed his SUV into a snowbank on a weekend night in his neighborhood, according to drunken-driving charges.

Maguire, 52, is charged with two gross-misdemeanor counts of third-degree drunken driving after he was spotted Jan. 11 inside his stuck SUV with the engine running.

According to the criminal complaint:

Police were notified about 8 p.m. about an SUV in a snowbank at Dakota Path and Shadow Creek Curve.

An officer approached Maguire behind the wheel and detected the odor of alcohol, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.

Maguire refused the officer's request to perform a field sobriety test. "Swaying and staggering," Maguire needed help being led to the squad car, where he was arrested.

A preliminary breath test measured his blood alcohol content at 0.19%, more than twice the legal limit for driving in Minnesota.

The Hastings City Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case in order to avoid any conflict of interest.

Until now, Maguire's driving history in Minnesota has included nothing more serious than a speeding ticket.

Maguire was charged by summons. There was no immediate word on whether the charges are affecting his ability to serve as mayor.

Maguire was first elected mayor in 2006 while a City Council member. Away from his municipal duties, Maguire is a public affairs and media relations professional.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482