A Minnesota man is accused of driving brain injury patients on a two-hour ride while drunk and high before crashing into an SUV, authorities said.
According to police, 19-year-old Michael Edward Rahja Jr. was transporting two men — ages 59 and 28 — for TBI Residential and Community Services, an organization that supports individuals with traumatic brain injuries, last Thursday.
During the trip, Rahja allegedly sped at more than 100 mph, weaved in and out of lanes, and passed other vehicles recklessly, according to a criminal complaint reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune and Duluth News Tribune. One passenger told investigators Rahja had been drinking alcohol and driving dangerously for about two hours.
Police said the van’s automatic braking system prevented several near rear-end collisions. However, Rahja later veered into oncoming traffic while attempting a right turn, striking an SUV.
The SUV rolled over at least once, and its 60-year-old female driver suffered a fractured pelvis, three fractured vertebrae, and a concussion. Authorities have not confirmed whether Rahja or his passengers were injured.
Rahja reportedly admitted to drinking half of a small bottle of vodka and smoking marijuana before driving. A preliminary breath test showed his blood alcohol content was 0.228 — nearly three times the legal limit for a driver aged 21 or older.
He was arrested and charged with criminal vehicular operation, leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death, driving without a valid license, and underage drinking. His bail was set at $75,000, and details about his legal representation remain unclear.
Court records show Rahja was previously charged with drunk driving in August after officers found him asleep in a parked car. That case is still pending.
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