Water search turns up BWI suspect

A Welch man accused of driving drunk in a boat with a child ended up behind bars Monday in Goodhue County.

Police arrested Charles A. Regan, 29, on suspicion of first-degree boating while intoxicated - a felony - and first-degree test refusal. Formal charges, possibly including child endangerment, are expected this week.

A Goodhue County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said the booking charges reached felony level since the arrest was his fourth alcohol-related driving offense in 10 years.

According to preliminary reports:

Officers were first alerted at 7:52 p.m. Sunday from a witness who reported seeing an "extremely intoxicated man" operating a small aluminum fishing boat in an area near U.S. Lock & Dam No. 3. The caller said a child also was in the boat.

Goodhue County water patrol officers searched the area and were later aided by a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter.

The search was called off at 2 a.m. Monday and resumed later that morning.

At about 8:30 a.m., water patrol officers spotted a boat matching the suspect's near Treasure Island Resort & Casino's marina.

The child had reportedly been brought ashore to a waiting family member. The boat driver, later identified as Regan, headed to the boat ramp.

He was arrested and taken to a Hastings detoxification center before being jailed at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center.

Regan is expected to make his first court appearance this week.

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