St. Paul Man Charged For Crash That Severely Injured 2 Girls

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 47-year-old St. Paul man was charged Friday in Washington County in connection with a Lake Elmo crash that severely injured two young women.

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said Jon Ross Wentz faces eight felonies of criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm involving negligence, blood alcohol and controlled substances in his system.

According to the criminal complaint, Wentz was traveling westbound on Highway 5 on Aug. 28, 2012 in Lake Elmo when he crossed over the center line into the eastbound lane. He struck the car in which the victims, ages 20 and 15, were riding.

Investigators discovered Wentz had methadone in his system, along with a blood alcohol content of .08.

As a result of the crash, the victims received severe injuries to their legs and spines, in addition to suffering traumatic brain injuries and respiratory failure.

The two girls are still receiving extensive medical treatment.