The motorist who hit a Brooklyn Park police officer's squad car late Monday has been charged with three gross misdemeanors, said Capt. Greg Roehl of the Brooklyn Park Police Department.
Robert Donald Vessey, 37, of Andover, was to appear in court Tuesday afternoon on charges of criminal vehicular operation, third-degree driving while under the influence of alcohol and third-degree driving while under the influence with alcohol concentration over .20.
Officer Bandy Gelle had stopped a motorist for a traffic violation around 10 p.m. in the 8600 block of Zane Av. N. As she stood outside her vehicle, Vessey's full-sized pickup smashed into the back of the squad car, which was then pushed into the first car, Roehl said.
Gelle narrowly avoided serious injury because the angle at which her car was parked caused it only to hit her leg, said Lt. Lee Folstad.
"We're extremely blessed," Folstad said. "I can't believe the squad video and I can't believe she's already back. She took a direct hit."
Gelle was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale where she was treated and released. The driver of the vehicle that Gelle had stopped was treated at the scene for minor injuries, Roehl said.
The Minnesota State Patrol investigated the accident.
TIM HARLOW
