News

Mar 14, 2025

Minivan Driver Had Open Box of Wine Before Fatal Anoka Crash: Police | Maple Grove, MN Patch

ANOKA, MN — A minivan driver who was more than three times the legal alcohol limit had an open box of wine and a cup in his vehicle when he crashed into another car, killing a woman in Anoka on

ANOKA, MN — A minivan driver who was more than three times the legal alcohol limit had an open box of wine and a cup in his vehicle when he crashed into another car, killing a woman in Anoka on Monday, according to police.

Zachary Scott Lee Wydella, 37, of Coon Rapids, has been arrested and charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide: operating a vehicle negligently while under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

On March 10, Anoka police responded to a two-vehicle crash on North Street.

At the scene, officers found a Toyota Sienna facing east in the westbound lane. The driver, identified as Wydella, was regaining consciousness when officers arrived, according to the criminal complaint.

The second vehicle, a Toyota Yaris, had heavy front-end damage and was positioned partially on the curb, facing west in the eastbound lane. The driver and sole occupant, Ann Marie Moore, 51, of Ham Lake, was trapped inside.

Officers attempted to reach Moore, but paramedics arrived and pronounced her dead at the scene.

While speaking with Wydella, officers detected the odor of alcohol on his breath and observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery. His speech was slurred, and his movements appeared slow, according to the criminal complaint.

Under the passenger seat of Wydella’s vehicle, officers found an open and partially emptied box of wine, according to prosecutors. A cup containing a red liquid, consistent with the wine, had spilled onto the driver-side door, authorities said.

Paramedics treated Wydella before transporting him to the hospital. Due to clear signs of intoxication, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a blood sample. The test results showed a blood alcohol concentration of .246, more than three times the legal limit, police said.

Authorities said Wydella’s intoxication and speed contributed to the severity of the crash. A full accident reconstruction is pending.