Brooklyn Park man arrested with empty vodka flask after DWI crash receives 15-day sentence, probation

(ABC 6 News) – UPDATE: A Brooklyn Park man arrested after a DWI crash in November was sentenced to four years’ probation Thursday, March 2.

James Sherwood Fitz, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal vehicular operation — causes bodily harm — under the influence of alcohol in Olmsted County Court.

According to court records, the DWI crash at the intersection of Highway 63 and 20th Street SW resulted in minor injuries for a 19-year-old woman Fitz rear-ended while she was stopped at the streetlight.

Deputies located an open and empty 200 ml flask of Smirnoff vodka in the car during Fitz’s arrest.

According to Fitz’ plea agreement, he will serve 15 days in jail with credit for two days served, four years of supervised probation, and may not possess or consume alcohol, or enter bars and liquor stores.

(ABC 6 News) – The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Brooklyn Park man after a DWI crash at a Stewartville stoplight.

According to Capt. James Schueller, deputies responded to a crash at the intersection of Highway 63 and 20th Street SW at about 12:42 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.

Deputies ascertained that a 19-year-old woman in a vehicle stopped at the light was rear-ended by 61-year-old James Fitz, who drove a Dodge pickup.

Deputies claim Fitz had an open and empty 200 ml flask of Smirnoff vodka in the car, and exhibited signs of intoxication.

Schueller said Fitz admitted to drinking the vodka, and was arrested for driving while intoxicated and criminal vehicular operation.

A search warrant was obtained, and the OCSO is awaiting results from a blood draw to determine Fitz’s level of intoxication.

Schueller said Fitz also said he planned to drive from the Twin Cities to Farmington, Missouri.

The 19-year-old driver who was struck reported dizziness and had a scrape on her leg. Her condition was unknown Monday.