On Monday night the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office were called to a car accident at the intersection of County Road 34 and Highland Drive in Paynesville. 39-year-old Brooks Gunderson of Paynesville was driving a van eastbound on County Road 34 while 36-year-old Shawn Klaphake of Belgrade was driving westbound on County Road 34.

Gunderson attempted to make a left turn on Highland Drive in front of Klaphake and the vehicles collided. Klaphake was injured in the collision and Gunderson left the scene.

A witness to the accident identified Gunderson as the drive of the van. Gunderson and the van were located a short distance away at his residence while Gunderson was trying to hide his van in a garage.

Gunderson then went into his residence and was pursued by police. He was later arrested in his home and is being held at the Stearns County jail for several charges including criminal vehicular operation resulting in injury and driving while intoxicated.

Klaphake was transported to the Paynesville Hospital by Paynesville Ambulance and later the St. Cloud Hospital for treatment of his injuries.