Blaine Man Charged After Allegedly Dragging Officer With Corvette, Crashing Into Yard
Published: September 22nd, 2026.
BLAINE MN— A Blaine-area traffic crash investigation turned into an alleged drunken-driving pursuit Sunday after a man reportedly sped away in a Corvette while a police officer was partially inside the vehicle, dragging the officer before throwing him to the ground, according to an Anoka County criminal complaint.
Richard James Chacich, 58, is charged in Anoka County District Court with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, fourth-degree assault of a peace officer causing demonstrable bodily harm, criminal vehicular operation resulting in bodily harm while under the influence of alcohol, misdemeanor DWI and felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
According to the complaint, Blaine police were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21 to a minor crash near Jefferson Street and Northtown Drive. Prosecutors allege Chacich was driving a white Corvette that rear-ended a Hyundai Tucson.
The drivers moved into a nearby parking lot to exchange insurance information. Although the crash caused no serious vehicle damage, witnesses told police they had seen the Corvette being driven erratically beforehand. One witness reportedly described the driver as "playing bumper cars" and swerving across the road.
Officer Graves of the Blaine Police Department arrived after a witness called 911. According to the complaint, Graves noticed an odor of alcohol coming from Chacich and began asking him about his alcohol consumption. The officer then requested backup in anticipation of conducting field sobriety testing.
A nearby contractor reportedly saw Chacich initially sitting on the bumper of the officer's squad car before getting up and heading toward the Corvette. Graves repeatedly ordered Chacich not to enter the vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Chacich allegedly continued toward the Corvette and got into the driver's seat. Graves then reached through the driver's-side window in an attempt to stop him, leaving the upper half of the officer's body inside the vehicle, the complaint states.
Prosecutors allege Chacich tried several times to start the Corvette while Graves yelled at him to stop. Once the vehicle started, Chacich allegedly accelerated rapidly in reverse, nearly striking the squad car and dragging Graves.
The Corvette then reportedly jerked around before Chacich accelerated again and spun the vehicle. Graves was thrown from the Corvette and landed face down on the ground, according to the complaint.
Other officers responded after hearing Graves call for backup. Prosecutors said his weakened tone of voice caused concern among responding officers.
Police then located the Corvette and attempted to stop it using emergency lights and sirens, but Chacich allegedly continued driving.
The pursuit did not last long. According to the complaint, Chacich took a turn at a high rate of speed before turning into the driveway of a private residence on Elm Street. The Corvette then struck a retaining wall and flipped into the yard.
Chacich's dog was ejected from the Corvette during the crash but was not injured, according to the complaint.
Officers approaching the overturned vehicle reported that Chacich was slow to follow commands, spoke incoherently and struggled with basic movements needed to exit the Corvette. Once removed and secured, police said he appeared to have only superficial injuries.
An open 16-ounce metal beer can was also allegedly ejected from the Corvette during the crash. Police reported later finding marijuana and a pipe inside the vehicle.
Chacich was transported to a hospital for medical clearance. Police obtained a search warrant authorizing a blood draw, according to the complaint. The complaint does not state the results of that blood test.
Investigators also cited several alleged signs of impairment, including an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, difficulty following commands and erratic decision-making. Witnesses additionally reported seeing dangerous driving before the initial rear-end crash.
Graves was taken for medical treatment and later released from the hospital. At the time the complaint was filed, authorities said he had no acute fractures or life-threatening injuries but reported significant pain in his hip, chest and abdomen from being thrown from the Corvette.
The complaint notes that a more serious charge could potentially be added depending on whether the officer's reported impairments persist.
The second-degree assault charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and/or a $14,000 fine. The fourth-degree assault charge and fleeing charge are also felonies. Criminal vehicular operation is charged as a gross misdemeanor, while the DWI count is a misdemeanor.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations, and Chacich is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.