7-504 - Charging Suspects With a Felony as a Result of an Accident

Policy

Persons suspected of felony vehicle operation who are involved in an accident will not be routinely booked for P.C. Vehicular Homicide/Injury unless they are transients, out of state residents, wanted for other crimes, or when positive identification is not possible.

Persons suspected of felony hit and run (victim is dead or suffers substantial bodily harm) shall be booked P.C. Felony Hit and Run by the arresting officer.

Officers shall not issue any citations to a suspect when felony charges are pending. When a suspect is booked as a result of an accident, the Traffic Unit must be notified to ensure prompt processing according to law. In cases involving fatalities, the word "FATAL" shall be included on all such reports to prevent court processing until after a grand jury hearing.

• Bodily Harm: Physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
• Substantial Bodily Harm: Bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member (MN Statute section 609.02 Subd. 7a).