Wisconsin Truck Driver Charged with Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation After I-35E Crash in Eagan Left Two Critically Injured
Posted: May 1, 2026.
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – A Wisconsin man is now facing felony charges more than a year after a devastating multi-vehicle crash on I-35E in Eagan that left two people with life-threatening injuries, according to newly filed court documents.
Crash Overview
The crash occurred on August 1, 2025, at approximately 4:41 p.m. on northbound I-35E just north of Lone Oak Road in Eagan. You can see our original reporting on this incident here: Serious Injury Crash Under Investigation on I-35E in Eagan.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash involved four vehicles traveling in the same direction:
A 2024 International MV607 commercial truck
A Ford Escape
A Chevrolet C10 pickup
A Ford F-150
Investigators say the commercial truck, driven by 37-year-old Kou Lee of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, struck the rear of the Ford Escape, triggering a chain-reaction crash. The impact forced the Escape onto the shoulder before the truck collided with a Chevrolet pickup, which was then pushed into a Ford F-150.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Eagan police and fire crews, MHealth EMS, MnDOT, and the State Patrol, responded to the scene to provide medical aid and secure the roadway. Traffic in the area was significantly impacted for several hours, with multiple lanes and the northbound on-ramp from Lone Oak Road closed during the response and investigation.
Injuries Reported
Authorities previously identified the most seriously injured victim as a 54-year-old of South St. Paul, who was transported to Regions Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, identified as a man from Roberts, Wisconsin, also sustained injuries and was transported to the same hospital. Initial reports described his injuries as non-life-threatening; however, court documents now indicate both victims suffered significant trauma.
According to the criminal complaint:
Victim 1 (Ford Escape driver) suffered catastrophic injuries, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding on the brain), subdural hematoma, multiple rib fractures, and a traumatic pneumothorax (collapsed lung). The victim was reportedly non-responsive at the scene and exhibiting agonal breathing.
Victim 2 (Chevrolet pickup driver) suffered a lumbar vertebra fracture, multiple rib fractures, and acute pain. Investigators noted the severity of the impact, stating the commercial truck came to rest partially on top of the Chevrolet pickup, with one of its wheels positioned just behind the driver’s seat.
Two additional individuals in the Ford F-150, as well as Lee and his passenger, were not injured.
Criminal Charges Filed
On May 1, 2026, the Dakota County District Court filed a criminal complaint charging Kou Lee with two felony counts of Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Great Bodily Harm (Gross Negligence) under Minnesota law.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.
Investigation Findings
The complaint outlines extensive findings from crash reconstruction, witness statements, dash camera footage, and electronic data recovered from the truck. Investigators determined that traffic congestion had developed in the right lane prior to the crash. Authorities say Lee failed to slow or react appropriately to the slowing traffic ahead.
Key findings include:
No braking before impact: Data from the vehicle showed Lee did not apply the brakes until after the crash had already occurred.
Delayed reaction time: Investigators determined Lee did not take evasive action until just 0.33 seconds before impact, far later than what would be expected of an attentive driver.
Clear driving conditions: Weather conditions were sunny with dry pavement, and no mechanical or environmental factors were identified as contributing causes.
Distraction and Cell Phone Use
While Lee initially told authorities he may have fallen asleep at the wheel, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting driver distraction played a significant role. Dash camera footage from inside the truck reportedly showed Lee repeatedly taking his eyes off the road and reaching toward the center console in the moments leading up to the crash.
Additionally, a witness told investigators he observed the truck struggling to maintain its lane before the crash. The witness reported passing the truck and seeing the driver on a cell phone shortly before the collision. A search warrant executed on Lee’s phone revealed the screen had been active for nearly 30 minutes leading up to the crash, from approximately 4:12 p.m. until the time of impact at 4:40 p.m.
Conclusion of Investigators
Crash reconstruction specialists concluded the primary cause of the crash was Lee’s failure to maintain forward awareness and respond to changing traffic conditions.
A human factors analysis determined his reaction time was significantly delayed compared to what would be expected in a similar situation. Investigators further concluded that distraction inside the cab, combined with taking his eyes off the roadway, likely contributed to the crash.
Ongoing Case
The case will proceed through the Dakota County court system. His first court appearance is set for June 2, 2026, at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota. As with all criminal cases, Kou Lee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Additional updates will be provided as the case moves forward.
Written by: Will Wight
