by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
A St. Joseph man was uninjured after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a Waite Park business last week.
Timothy Cooney of St. Joseph crashed his truck into Traut Wells in Waite Park at about 9:19 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. Traut Wells is located at 141 28th Ave. S in Waite Park.
Waite Park Police Sgt. Tom Jensen said there was no alcohol or drugs involved in the crash.Waite Park Police Chief Dave Bentrud said fatigue was a factor.
“The party fell asleep on his way home and unfortunately crashed his truck,” Jensen said.
There were no injuries resulting from the accident.
Damage was done to the building and some of the contents inside the building, Jensen said. The investigation is complete.
Joan Ritter, a spokesperson for Traut Wells, said Feb. 24 that damage was done in both the retail shop and lab areas of the business. Cooney drove through the retail area pushing things into the lab, Ritter said.
“It’s definitely significant damage but we haven’t gotten an estimate yet,” Ritter said.
Staff was able to patch up things after the accident and resume business operations. It has not affected the operation of the business, Ritter said.
