Reckless driver smashes into Big Lake police officer

BIG LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) - Big Lake Police Officer Chris Hoard was waiting for a reckless driver to approach the intersection of Highway 10 and Industrial Drive when a Toyota van lost control, slid diagonally through the intersection, and slammed into his squad car. The accident happened Sunday night.

Both Officer Hoard’s squad car and the van were pushed into a ditch as a result of the high-speed impact. The driver of the van has no insurance and has felony warrants in two states.

“Officer Hoard will be fine, but this could easily have turned out much differently,” Big Lake police wrote on Facebook, in a plea for safe winter driving. “Please slow down, and pay attention to changing road conditions – someone’s life depends on it!”