FAIRMONT — A Worthington man is facing felony charges in Martin County. Phillip Potter, 60, has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the complaint:

At approximately 7:11 a.m. on May 6, 2021, a Minnesota State Patrol Trooper was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on I-90 near milepost 92 in Martin County. Upon arrival at the scene, the trooper observed a semi-tractor trailer on its side and a black Dodge Ram with major rear-end damage, both of which were blocking the eastbound lanes of I-90.

The trooper spoke to an individual who informed him that the Dodge Ram pickup lost control in the westbound lanes of I-90, then crossed through the median and hit the eastbound semi. Another individual described the driver of the Dodge Ram as under the influence of drugs, stating that the driver was acting excitedly and that his speech was unintelligible.

The parties involved in the accident were transported to Mayo Clinic in Fairmont. A deputy with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office informed the trooper that he identified the driver of the Dodge Ram as Potter.

Potter admitted to the deputy that the night before the crash he had consumed alcohol, marijuana and meth. Potter also informed the deputy that he may have caused the crash by falling asleep while driving.

The trooper spoke to the semi-driver who stated that he was traveling eastbound on I-90 when a westbound Dodge Ram truck lost control, spun out through the median, and entered the road in front of him. The semi driver stated that the driver’s side front of his semi hit the rear box of the Dodge Ram. As a result of the collision, the semi-driver suffered a separated shoulder.

A search warrant to obtain a blood sample from Potter was requested and granted. At 9:26 a.m. the search warrant was executed and a blood sample from Potter was obtained. At that time, the trooper observed that Potter had bloodshot eyes, was extremely tired and could hardly stay awake.

The trooper also had difficulty understanding what Potter was saying, due in part to Potter’s slurred speech. The trooper additionally observed Potter talking to himself.

Potter was released from the hospital with only minor injuries and subsequently placed under arrest for criminal vehicle operation. Another deputy transported Potter to the Martin County Jail. There, Potter declined to speak with law enforcement.