Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thomas Burns, of Grand Forks, charged in drunken boat crash that killed MN woman


Driver charged in boat crash that killed MN woman
Associated Press, Associated Press 8:30 a.m. EDT August 27, 2015



(Photo: Devils Lake Journali-KVLY)


DEVILS LAKE, N.D. - Criminal charges have been filed against a North Dakota man who was driving a boat that was involved in a fatal crash earlier this month.



KZZY-FM reports authorities allege Thomas Burns, of Grand Forks, was intoxicated during the early hours of Aug. 9, when he was driving a boat on Devils Lake that struck a tree about 30 yards from shore while traveling at over 30 mph.



Burns has been charged with felony manslaughter, felony reckless endangerment and boating under the influence.



Twenty-six-year-old April Stenger, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, was killed. Three other passengers were injured in the crash.



Authorities say Burns registered a blood alcohol level that was more than double the legal limit.



The station reports Burns was arrested Wednesday. Court records don't list an attorney for Burns.