Driver Charged in Dakota County Crash Causing Great Bodily Harm and Possession of “Ghost Gun”
HAMPTON, MINNESOTA - According to court documents, on Sunday, January 7, 2024, Brandon Rohda, aged 20, was involved in a serious single-vehicle crash on MN-56 in Hampton, Minnesota, which led to significant bodily harm to his passenger. Furthermore, Rohda is accused of possessing a firearm without a serial number, colloquially known as a "ghost gun."
Law enforcement officials responded to the accident scene, discovering a vehicle overturned in a ditch. The victim and passenger, an adult male, was found unconscious, while Rohda, the driver, was conscious and alert. According to court records, Rohda claimed he had been driving straight before the crash occurred, stating he was traveling at the speed limit of 60 miles per hour. However, observations of Rohda's physical state and behavior raised suspicions of impairment. His watery, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech prompted an assessment of his sobriety.
Court records show that subsequent tests with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) revealed the presence of a cocaine metabolite in Rohda's bloodstream, indicating impairment at the time of the accident. Further complicating matters, firefighters at the scene discovered a loaded firearm near the crash site. Rohda admitted ownership of the weapon, describing it as a "ghost gun" without a serial number, a violation of state law.
An accident reconstruction analysis painted a grim picture of the events leading to the crash. The reconstructionist's findings suggested Rohda's vehicle had been driving on the shoulder for an extended period before veering into the ditch. Despite snow on the ground, there was no evidence of attempts to regain control, indicating negligence on Rohda's part, according to the court records.
The consequences of the crash were severe for the passenger, who suffered life-threatening injuries. According to the court documents, medical records revealed traumatic brain injury, spinal fractures, and a fractured jaw, necessitating extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation.
As a result of these findings, Rohda faces charges of Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Great Bodily Harm and possession of an unserialized firearm, both felonies under Minnesota law. Rohda remains innocent until proven guilty, and the case remains open as legal proceedings unfold in Dakota County.
Rohda's next court hearing is scheduled for June 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in Hastings, Minnesota. This hearing serves as a summons for Rohda to appear before the court as part of the ongoing legal process.
Dakota County Jail - Brandon Rohda Mugshot
Cover Photo Credit by Grant Durr on Unsplash
Written By: Will Wight
