x
Breaking News
More () »

Man charged with homicide in fatal SW Minnesota crash

Chippewa County prosecutors also charged Braxton Monte Anderson with criminal vehicular operation and driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
Credit: Chippewa County Jail
Braxton Anderson is charged with criminal vehicular homicide after a fatal crash that investigators say happened while he was under the influence of meth.

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — A Montevideo man is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide after a violent crash while he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Along with the homicide counts, Chippewa County prosecutors have charged 34-year-old Braxton Monte Anderson with criminal vehicular operation and driving under the influence of methamphetamine in the Aug. 7 crash. 

State troopers responded to a scene in the city of Watson on that day after reports of a two-car crash near the Watson Goose Bar. Two people were trapped in a 1995 Saturn and officers immediately called for two medical helicopters due to the severity of their injuries. 

First responders noticed a strong odor of alcohol and marijuana coming from the interior of the Saturn. They recovered a glass pipe used to smoke meth, a baggie of what appeared to be marijuana and a large 24 ounce beer can. Officers requested a blood draw on Anderson, who was rushed to a hospital in Montevideo and then flown to another trauma center. His passenger, 20-year-old Brittany Lynn Schulz, died on the scene before she could be airlifted. 

Two people in the SUV that collided with Anderson's vehicle were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Neither driver had a valid license at the time of the fatal crash.

Evidence gathered at the scene and witness statements suggest Anderson, driving the Saturn, took a left turn in front of the SUV whose driver was unable to avoid the collision. The larger vehicle struck the Saturn in the passenger door where Schulz was sitting. 

The blood draw taken from Anderson showed the presence of methamphetamine. He has an extensive record of driving offenses that includes fleeing police, reckless driving and excessive speed, along with a conviction for drug possession. 

More stories: 

RELATED: Jail, not prison for distracted driver who killed teacher, daughter

RELATED: Friends remember Lakeland Shores council member killed in crash along I-94

RELATED: Fatal crash charges: Unlicensed drunk driver found in rest stop bathroom

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out