Sheriff: Driver Crosses Center Line, Strikes Squad Head-On

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Carvery County deputy and another driver were injured in a head-on collision late Thursday evening.

According to the sheriff's office, the crash happened at about 9 p.m. on County State Aid Highway 11 near 4th Street in Carver.

A vehicle driving south on the highway crossed the center line, striking a squad car being driven by Deputy Erick Boder, a 10-year veteran of the force.

An off-duty firefighter was following behind the vehicle that crossed the line and stopped to assist at the scene until other responders arrived. Boder had to be cut from his squad car using a "Jaws of Life" extrication tool.

According to reports, the driver of the other vehicle told a witness he had fallen asleep before crossing the center line. That driver was identified as 46-year-old Jason Horowitz of Carver.

Both Horowitz and Boder were taken to be hospitalized. Both were wearing seat belts. The sheriff's department said Boder's injuries were serious and required him to be airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center.

The Minnesota State Patrol are still investigating the incident.