30-Year-Old Man Facing Property Damage and DWI Charges in Detroit Lakes

(KNOX) – A 30-year-old Phoenix man is facing felony property damage and DWI charges after authorities say he drove an excavator, damaging several properties through part of Detroit Lakes.

Alex Prescott-Hansen is facing first-degree property damage and misdemeanor DWI charges in Becker County District Court. The charges stem from an incident reported June 21 near 102 West Lake Drive.

Detroit Lakes police responded to a report of damage at a hotel. Officers said Prescott-Hansen appeared to be under the influence and admitted he had tried to drive the excavator after attending a party at Zorbaz earlier that day.

According to a criminal complaint, a Becker County deputy found the excavator near the reported damage. Investigators say the excavator had been apparently moved from the front of Lakeside restaurant before knocking down a new light pole and damaging a concrete sidewalk.

Authorities said the excavator then moved east toward HUB 41, where it damaged an outside handrail system and destroyed a sailboat sculpture. The complaint says the excavator later on damaged the awning at the Fairfield hotel, tearing off or breaking several boards or panels. The complaint says damage at HUB 41 alone is estimated at $40,000.

Officers reported Prescott-Hansen had glossy, bloodshot and watery eyes, along with slurred speech. The complaint says he took a preliminary breath test that showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.175. Authorities said a later breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18, which is more than the 0.08 legal limit in Minnesota.

Prescott-Hansen is being detained on a court order. He could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine if convicted of felony first-degree property damage. The DWI charge could include a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.