AFTON, Minn. — An off-duty Washington County deputy crashed into a car full of children while under the influence of alcohol, charges filed on Thursday reveal.

Campbell Blair, 58, is charged with one count each of criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm while under the influence of alcohol and carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol, according to the criminal complaint filed in Washington County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash occurred Sunday around 10:39 a.m. in Afton on Highway 95 at Scenic Lane. 

Blair had been driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek northbound on the highway when he crossed over the center line and collided head-on with a 2022 Ford Expedition, the patrol said. Troopers believe both vehicles involved had been going around 55 mph at the time of the crash and report that no brake marks were observed.

The driver and passenger in the Ford, a 38-year-old Lake Elmo man and 36-year-old Woodbury woman respectively, suffered injuries not considered life-threatening. There were also five children between the ages of 2 and 9 in the car at the time of the crash who were not injured. One of the victims told investigators they had been on their way to the apple orchard to celebrate her youngest child’s birthday.

Blair, who was off-duty, was wearing a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy uniform and had his pistol in the front passenger seat, charges say. He told a trooper that he had worked at Regions Hospital from 9 p.m. the night prior until 7 a.m. the day of the crash. He claimed he had been called to return to work at Regions.

Later, investigators learned that Blair had not been called back into work and was not scheduled to work again until later that evening.

“It was unknown why Defendant was in full uniform with his duty vest and pistol,” the complaint says.

Charges say Blair was observed by several witnesses weaving over lane lines and driving erratically prior to the crash.

At the hospital, Blair denied drinking any alcohol. He agreed to give a preliminary breath test, and “provided a weak sample with a result of .092,” charges say.

A search warrant was obtained to take Blair’s blood sample.

“We are aware of the motor vehicle injury crash involving an off-duty Washington County deputy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement shared with WCCO. “The Minnesota State Patrol is currently investigating the incident, and we will take all appropriate actions in accordance with our policies and procedures pending the investigation’s outcome.”

Authorities say the driver of the Ford broke multiple bones and had to undergo hospitalization for surgery.

There is a lot to like about the Washington Nationals in the future. They are loaded with young talent up and down the roster, whether it is in the lineup or on their pitching staff.

However, there are a few areas of concern heading into the offseason. One of the positions that could use an upgrade is third base.

Who could the Nationals look to add to their roster at the hot corner? Here are four players they need to pursue in the winter to upgrade their lineup.

One of the most accomplished players hitting free agency, the Houston Astros star is going to get paid a large sum of money. A two-time World Series champion and turning 31 right before the 2025 campaign, he can lock things down at third base for years to come.

His market is going to be robust as the clear-cut No. 1 option at the position that is hitting the market. A ton of teams are going to try and land him and it will take a ton of money to pry him away from the Astros.

If Washington wants to go to the top of the market, there isn’t a better option that will be available. However, it could be argued that they would be better off spending top dollar at first base; at least there are options in-house at third who could handle innings here such as Jose Tena, Ildemaro Vargas and prospects Brady House and Cayden Wallace.

The veteran hitting free agency is not yet a sure thing. The Arizona Diamondbacks have a $15 million club option that can be exercised and retain him for 2025.

Even if that does occur, Suarez could be made available on the trade market. Rumors swirled about him being a trade candidate ahead of this past summer’s deadline when he was struggling. 

He ended the season on a high note, restoring his value. The Nationals won’t find a better answer to their home run problem at third base than the veteran righty, who has hit 21+ home runs in every season since 2016, excluding the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign. In only 57 games that season, he did launch 15 homers.

Intra-divisional trades are quite rare. Seeing the NL East rival New York Mets make a deal to strengthen Washington’s outlook would certainly be a surprise, but if the right deal is there to be made, why not pull the trigger?

Baty is someone that could be mentioned in trade rumors all winter given the emergence of Mark Vientos at third base. While there are some concerns about Vientos’s glove long-term, the bat certainly plays.

Anyone acquiring Baty would be buying low after his chance to lockdown third base long-term in Queens didn’t come to fruition. But, it wasn’t long ago that he was a top 100 prospect in baseball. 

A change of scenery could help him get back on track and he would fit in perfectly on the timeline the Nationals are now operating with.

Washington has aspirations to turn things around quickly. For that to happen, they need some veterans who can lead the young guys, showing them exactly what it takes to succeed at the Major League level.

While not exclusively a third baseman, Enrique Hernandez can fill the void there adequately, providing leadership and guidance while also possessing World Series experience. After logging 529 solid innings at the hot corner with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he can keep the seat warm until a young guys is ready.

After that, he can shift into a super-utility role, as he has logged at least one inning at every position except catcher in his professional career. Hernandez would provide insurance in the outfield and middle infield and is once again proving to be a clutch postseason performer.

Early voting is underway in Washington, DC with voters casting their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s November 5th general election. VOA’S Anthony LaBruto gives viewers an inside look at some of the specifics of the voting process as he casts his ballot for the first time in the U.S. capital.