An off-duty Washington County officer was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a car full of children, charges say

AFTON, Minn. – An off-duty Washington County deputy while under the influence of alcohol, he crashed into a car full of childrenreveal the charges filed on Thursday.

Campbell Blair, 58, is charged with one count each of criminal vehicular acts causing substantial bodily harm while under the influence of alcohol and carrying a handgun while under the influence of alcohol, according to the criminal complaint filed in Washington County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened around 10:39 a.m. Sunday in Afton on Highway 95 near Scenic Lane.

Blair was driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek north on the highway when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2022 Ford Expedition, the patrol said. Troopers believe both vehicles involved were traveling approximately 60 mph at the time of the crash and report that no skid marks were observed.

The driver and passenger in the Ford, a 38-year-old man from Lake Elmo and a 36-year-old woman from Woodbury, respectively, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. There were also five children between the ages of 2 and 9 in the car at the time of the accident, who were not injured. One of the victims told investigators they were on their way to the apple orchard to celebrate her youngest child’s birthday.

Blair, who was off-duty, was wearing a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy uniform and had his gun on the front passenger seat, the complaint said. He told an officer he had worked at Regions Hospital from 9 p.m. the night before to 7 a.m. the day of the crash. He claimed he was called to return to work at Regions.

Later, investigators learned that Blair had not been called back to work and would not return to work until later that evening.

“It was unknown why the suspect was in full uniform with his service vest and handgun,” the complaint said.

According to the criminal complaint, Blair was observed by several witnesses as he weaved across lane lines and drove erratically prior to the crash.

At the hospital, Blair denied drinking alcohol. He agreed to take a preliminary breath test and “provided a weak sample with a result of .092,” according to the indictment.

A search warrant was obtained to take Blair’s blood sample.

“We are aware of the motor vehicle injury accident involving an off-duty Washington County deputy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement shared with WCCO. “The Minnesota State Patrol is currently investigating the incident and we will take all appropriate actions in accordance with our policies and procedures pending the outcome of the investigation.”

Authorities say the driver of the Ford suffered multiple broken bones and had to be hospitalized for surgery.