‘Four times the legal limit’: Man accused of drunkenly crashing into Park Tavern patio, killing 2, injuring 9

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Tuesday announced charges against a man accused of driving his car into the patio of Park Tavern in St. Louis Park on Sunday night, killing two people.

Steven Frane Bailey, 56, was arrested in connection with the crash.

On Tuesday, Moriarty said Bailey’s preliminary blood alcohol level was .325 — more than four times the legal limit — at the time of the crash. This was determined by a breathalyzer test. Court documents indicate a blood draw was also conducted and results are pending.

He was charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and nine counts of criminal vehicular operation.

Two people died in the crash; they were identified Monday as Methodist ICU coordinator Gabe Harvey and Park Tavern employee Kristina Folkerts.

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While authorities initially said three people were injured, Moriarty confirmed Tuesday that nine people were hurt. He said there could be additional charges if more victims are found or come forward. If you were injured but have not reported it, you are asked to contact the St. Louis Police Department.

Methodist Hospital confirmed that all four people who were injured were nurses there.

The charges

As previously reported, St. Louis police were called to Park Tavern on Sunday for a report of a vehicle driving through the patio and striking several people.

Bailey was still inside the vehicle and was the only person inside.

Folkerts was trapped under the car, according to the criminal complaint. Despite first aid, she died at the scene.

Several other people were receiving medical attention from other restaurant patrons.

As officers approached the car, they heard Bailey on the phone say, “I hit the gas instead of the brake and hit something” and “I’m probably going to jail,” according to court documents.

Bailey also had slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes. During a field sobriety test, officers found six clues that indicated Bailey was under the influence of alcohol. They did not conduct any other tests because Bailey claimed he had undergone surgery on his legs.

After being released from the hospital, Bailey was taken to jail. When he was told he was being arrested for vehicular manslaughter, he allegedly said, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” and “My life is pretty screwed up right now, huh?”

Court documents also indicate that Harvey was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Other injuries include:

• One woman suffered fractures to her legs, pelvis and ribs, and dislocated knees. Court documents indicate she remains unconscious and intubated.
• One victim suffered head trauma and lost consciousness on the way to the hospital.
• A man suffered head trauma, facial lacerations and a complete loss of memory about the accident or what happened before he was admitted to hospital.
• Several others suffered minor injuries and bruises.

Court documents indicate Bailey has five prior DUI convictions and multiple license revocations.

Bailey’s first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Moriarty said his office is asking for a $1 million bond.