A Little Canada man who plowed his car last spring into a pole outside a popular restaurant and bar in downtown St. Paul, launching the pole through a large glass window and injuring patrons, pleaded guilty Monday to criminal vehicular operation.
Matthew M. Damman, 32, pleaded guilty in Ramsey County District Court to two counts of criminal vehicular operation under the influence of a controlled substance and fleeing a peace officer.
Damman testified in court Monday that he had consumed alcohol, marijuana and cocaine before he fled a state trooper and then crashed his car outside the Bulldog Bar and Restaurant at 6th and Wacouta streets shortly after midnight on May 2.
Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Elizabeth Lamin said that Damman struck a pole that crashed into the restaurant, injuring five people sitting at a table.
Damman was originally charged with five felonies and seven gross misdemeanors. The plea agreement calls for a minimum of 180 days in jail.
Lamin is expected to argue for up to a year in jail, and Damman's attorney, Paul Rogosheske, is expected to argue for 90 days in jail and then electronic home monitoring.
Damman is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 26. The sentences for each conviction would run concurrently.
CHAO XIONG
