Star Tribune
St. Paul celebrity chef Justin Sutherland addresses charges he assaulted girlfriend
St. Paul chef Justin Sutherland has released a statement declaring he is innocent of charges that he assaulted and threatened to kill his girlfriend, as a local publication scrapped its five-year partnership with him co-hosting a barbecue festival.
Sutherland, well-known for appearances on “Top Chef” and other cooking shows, was arrested on June 28. His statement followed Mpls. St. Paul Magazine announcing this week that it is severing a partnership it had since 2018 with the chef for its annual “Smoke Out” fall festival. The magazine said it will continue the festival this fall outside Allianz Field in St. Paul under a new name, Northern Char.
The magazine received a statement from Sutherland that said in part:
“Over the weekend I found myself in a situation where I was taken into custody and accused of a crime. I deeply regret putting myself in that position and the pain and distress caused to those around me. I sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and fans. I am innocent of these charges and look forward to using the judicial system to prove my innocence. Notwithstanding, this incident has made me realize the urgent need to seek professional help and make significant changes in my life.
Sutherland, 39, was charged Monday in Ramsey County District Court with felony threats of violence in connection with the incident shortly after 8 p.m. on June 28 Friday in the 800 block of Front Avenue. Police responded to a call about a man with a gun.
A woman told police that Sutherland pointed a gun and vowed to shoot her, choked her and struck her in the chest with the weapon, the criminal complaint read. Officers arrested Sutherland during what turned out to be a second visit from police that evening concerning a report of domestic violence.
Sutherland’s attorney, John Daly, told the Star Tribune the complaint “is riddled with falsehoods. He never physically assaulted anybody, never pointed a gun at anybody and never choked anybody.”
Sutherland has been released from jail on his own recognizance. He’s due back in court on Aug. 16.
A short but busy segment of a north metro highway will close Tuesday morning and have drivers on detour for the rest of July.
At about 1 a.m. Tuesday, Minnesota Department of Transportation crews will close all lanes of Hwy. 65 in both directions between 187th Lane NE. and Viking Boulevard NE between Ham Lake and East Bethel.
The highway will be closed through July 31 as crews work to replace a culvert under Hwy. 65 near Viking Boulevard.
“Drivers who regularly use Hwy 65, are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible, such as I-35W or Hwy 47 to avoid congestion and delays,” the agency said.
During the closure, access to business and residences north of Constance Boulevard to 187th will be maintained, MnDOT said.
The work is part of a larger project in which MnDOT is repaving 16 miles of Hwy. 65 between Spring Lake Park and East Bethel , repairing bridges and installing cable median barriers.
Star Tribune
High-speed crash in St. Paul sets off fireworks inside car, ignites fire that kills driver
A high-speed crash in St. Paul sets off fireworks inside a car and ignited a fire that killed the driver, police said Monday.
The car left the road shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday, struck a tree and a light pole, according to police.
“The vehicle then caught on fire,” a police statement read. “The vehicle contained an amount of fireworks, which began to explode and made it difficult for anyone to help the driver.”
Police said that excessive speed is believed to have played a role in the crash.
The driver’s identity has yet to be released. No one else was in the car.
Use your address to find your ballot ahead of Minnesota’s Aug. 13 primary election.
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