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WORTHINGTON — A summons was issued for a Bingham Lake man charged with first-degree DWI in Nobles County, for allegedly operating a motor vehicle after huffing an intoxicating substance from an air canister.
On Aug. 3, 2022 Worthington Police officers were dispatched to a crash at Diagonal Road and Thomas Avenue in Worthington. Witnesses reported the driver was passed out in the vehicle.
An off-duty officer reportedly told the arriving officer he had seen an air duster can on the vehicle's floorboard.
The driver was identified as Allen Glidden, 30, of Bingham Lake. He had blood on his face and right hand, and a deep cut on his lip.
When he woke, Glidden stated he was coming from his girlfriend’s house on the west side of town but was reportedly unable to recall anything else, including what happened and what road he was currently on. He appeared confused, but denied taking any substances that would have altered his ability to remember.
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Multiple witnesses reportedly stated they had observed Glidden sleeping in his vehicle while parked at the intersection of Diagonal Road and Oxford Street. According to the complaint, one individual told officers they had seen Glidden appear to drink something, before driving into the downtown Worthington area and proceeding to hit two vehicles.
Other witnesses also attested to seeing Glidden hit two other vehicles, and one stated Glidden had driven out of a soybean field and into a parking lot. The witness had reportedly attempted to speak with Glidden and said he appeared confused and denied needing help.
Plants were found under Glidden’s bumper, and an officer later located the soybean field, according to the report. The property owner reported the damage to his field totaled $300.
A can of air duster was allegedly found at Glidden’s feet in the vehicle, showing signs of having been used for huffing. A search warrant was obtained to get a blood sample from Glidden, which was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. The BCA analysis reportedly showed the presence of volatile substances, consistent with the ingredients of the air canister, as well as THC metabolite.
A review of Glidden’s record showed multiple prior impaired-driving convictions within the last 10 years in Minnesota, including in Nobles and Cottonwood counties.
Glidden is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Feb. 7 in Nobles County.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Note: This article was written based on information reported by local law enforcement agencies. The Globe reminds readers that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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