DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth group home employee, 19-year-old Michael Edward Rahja Jr., faces multiple criminal charges, including criminal vehicular operation, after allegedly driving two residents in a company van at speeds exceeding 100 mph and crashing into another vehicle, seriously injuring the driver.
The incident occurred on November 6 at the intersection of Martin Road and Jean Duluth Road, where officers found a 2024 Chrysler van and a 2013 Honda Pilot heavily damaged. A woman trapped in the Honda suffered a broken pelvis, vertebrae fractures, and a concussion.
Witnesses reported that Rahja Jr. was weaving dangerously through traffic for nearly two hours, allegedly drinking and using marijuana while driving. A preliminary breath test revealed a BAC of .228, and a records search showed he was driving on a suspended license due to prior DWI and underage drinking offenses.
Investigators said the crash happened when Rahja Jr. tried to pass the Honda, swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, and collided with the SUV.
Rahja Jr. remains in custody as prosecutors pursue charges for criminal vehicular operation, DUI, and related offenses.
