A Chaska man faces criminal vehicular operation charges in connection with a fatal accident Sunday on Highway 5.

Jacob Thomas Victor, 25, was charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal vehicular operation for allegedly driving negligently while under the influence of alcohol and causing the deaths of Shannon Raye Kruse of Waconia and her unborn female child, according to the Carver County Attorney’s Office. Kruse was approximately eight months pregnant.

According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Aug. 26, Kruse was driving eastbound on Highway 5 near its intersection with Krey Avenue in Victoria.  Victor was traveling westbound on Highway 5 and crossed over the centerline.  Although Kruse tried to take evasive action, the two vehicles crashed head-on. The Minnesota State Patrol is preparing a full accident reconstruction report.

Emergency responders transported Victor to Ridgeview Hospital in Waconia for treatment. He told Sgt. Gerald Ladwig of the Minnesota State Patrol that he had a rash from the seatbelt and some cuts from broken glass, according to the complaint.  Victor said that he was driving home from Hopkins after having a couple of drinks and that "all of a sudden" there were headlights in front of him. Sgt. Ludwig administered a preliminary breath test and took a blood sample for analysis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Results are expected in six to eight weeks.

District Court Judge Philip T. Kanning set bail in the amount of $10,000 cash or $100,000 bond. If bail or bond is posted, additional conditions will include no use or possession of alcohol or illicit drugs and random drug testing. Victor will be arraigned on the charges on Friday.

If convicted, Victor faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for each count.  — Richard Crawford