Media Contact–
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2021
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ACTIVISTS CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF DAVE HUTCHINSON FOLLOWING DANGEROUS DRUNK DRIVING INCIDENT
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Early Wednesday morning, Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson (Hutchinson) was involved in a single car rollover crash near Alexandria, Minnesota, while under the influence of alcohol. Hutchinson suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and is still recovering. We are grateful that this accident did not result in a fatality for Hutchinson or any other motorist, given the seriousness of the incident.
In a statement released Wednesday, Hutchinson took the important step of acknowledging his decision to drive while under the influence and has agreed to accept responsibility for his actions.
However, this is not enough. Given the magnitude of responsibility that Hutchinson has over the administration of public safety in Hennepin County and the need for sound decision-making, clarity, and good judgment, we believe that it is in the best interests of our community for Hutchinson to immediately resign from his role as Hennepin County Sheriff and take the time he needs to heal and seek treatment.
Hennepin County residents are routinely prosecuted, convicted, and serve jail and/or prison time for driving under the influence. Rather than receiving special treatment as an elected official, Hutchinson as the chief law enforcement officer for Hennepin County, must be held to a higher standard of accountability and expectations.
It is hypocritical for Hutchinson to have the power to incarcerate others, when he has violated the law and put himself and others in unnecessary danger. Residents of Hennepin County deserve strong, consistent, and principled leadership from our highest-ranking law enforcement leadership.
The Racial Justice Network (RJN) is a multi-racial, grassroots organization, committed to fighting for racial justice and building bridges across racial, social, and economic lines. racialjusticenetwork.com
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