NODINE, Minn. – A deputy responding to a report of a car in a ditch off County Road 5 along Pine Creek couldn’t locate it but then spotted it being driven a ways down the road. The driver, Shawn Christoher Mattson, 53, of LaCrescent, said a farmer had pulled him out. The explanation made sense, the deputy said, despite significant signs of impairment — blood-shot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and breath heavy with alcohol. Also, the deputy said, Mattson had problems with balance and dexterity. The deputy called an ambulance to take Mattson to the Winna to be checked for injuries from the accident. He was OK. He refused a blood-alcohol test but one was taken anyway. Results from the state crime lab were being awaited.
