Alleged drunk driver drives into backyard

Published 8:24 am Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Matthew Bergstad, 22, of Austin was arrested Monday morning after allegedly driving a car into someone’s backyard while intoxicated.

According to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger, police responded to a call from a tow truck company at 1:40 a.m. on Monday of a property damage accident in the 600 block of 12th Street Northeast. A white 2008 Ford Edge had jumped the curb at the intersection of 12th Street and Fifth Avenue Northeast, driven through a fence, and crashed into a tree in a residential backyard. The vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage.

Police were informed the driver, Bergstad, appeared to be intoxicated.

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Officers administered a preliminary breath test to Bergstad, which he failed, according to Krueger. He was arrested and taken to the Mower County Jail, where a breathalyzer test allegedly showed he was over the legal limit.

Bergstad is facing potential charges of fourth-degree DWI.