Drunk Florida Man Steals Minnesota Truck, Results in Bad Crash, Arrest

DUNN COUNTY, WI — A 50-year-old Florida man has been arrested for his fourth drunk driving incident after he crashed a stolen semi truck fleeing police at more than 90 miles per hour.

Todd J. Fine of Sarasota, Florida, faces his fourth OWI offense, and felony charges of fleeing an officer and operating a vehicle without the owner's consent.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, on April 29, 2017, at about 4:35 am a Wisconsin State Trooper observed a bobtail semi-tractor east bound on I-94 emitting sparks from its back end.

The Trooper observed sparks underneath the semi-tractor which appeared to have been caused by something being dragged behind the semi-tractor. The Trooper attempted to stop the semi tractor to investigate the sparking.

Authorities say Fine exited the freeway, accelerating to 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. A State Trooper engaged in pursuit of Fine, who accelerated to more than 90 mph.

After a mile-and-a-half pursuit, Fine lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The semi-tractor came to rest on it’s roof in a tree line. Fine was transported to Mayo Hospital-Menomonie where he was treated for minor injuries, medically cleared and released to the custody of the Dunn County Jail.

The semi tractor was owned by Break Thru Beverage Minnesota Wine and Spirits LLC from St. Paul, MN. The company, when contacted, was not aware their vehicle had been stolen.

Due to the State Patrol’s involvement in the pursuit, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the crash.

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image via Wisconsin State Patrol