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Driver in fatal hit-run smelled of alcohol, fought with officers

Defendant, whose license was revoked in July, has a long criminal history.

October 18, 2016 at 1:30AM
Traffic victim Christopher R. Nelson
Traffic victim Christopher R. Nelson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A drunken driver with a revoked license strayed into the oncoming lane and fatally struck a motorcyclist in southeastern Minnesota on a weekend afternoon, drove away and then fought with officers until he could be subdued, authorities said.

Josh D. Hansen, 35, of Kellogg, Minn., appeared in court Friday on felony charges of criminal vehicular homicide and fourth-degree assault.

Hansen remains jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail ahead of a hearing Wednesday in Wabasha County District Court.

Hansen is accused of hitting and killing Chris R. Nelson, 34, of Eyota, Minn., on Oct. 2 along Hwy. 42 near Plainview.

The motorcyclist told emergency responders his name and that the SUV had hit him. The responders were unable to save Nelson, who died at the scene, leaving behind a wife of seven years and two daughters.

Hansen also ran into a car heading the other way, but the couple in that vehicle escaped injury, according to the State Patrol.

The officer and a sheriff's deputy removed a "very aggressive" Hansen from the SUV and noted that he smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and watery eyes, according to the criminal complaint.

Hansen tried to fend off the officers and at one point spit in the deputy's face.

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Hansen, whose driver's license has been revoked since July 12, has a criminal history that includes a steady slew of offenses spanning virtually his entire adult life, many involving alcohol.

He's been convicted twice of drunken driving, as well as being found guilty of driving after having his license revoked.

He also has four assault convictions and was caught drinking alcohol six times in 18 months before he turned 21.

A telephone message was left with Hansen's attorney on Monday seeking reaction to the latest allegations.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

about the writer

about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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