On probation for DWI, Duluth driver suspected of drinking among 3 killed in crash

A wrong-way driver suspected of drinking struck another vehicle head-on in Duluth early Monday, killing himself, the other driver and a child, authorities said.

The wreck involving SUVs occurred about 1 a.m. on southbound Interstate 35 between 27th and 40th avenues W., the State Patrol said.

The motorist on the wrong side of the interstate was identified as Aaron D. Dame, 23, of Duluth.

A passenger with him, 22-year-old Abigail K. Ptasnik, also of Duluth, was in critical condition Monday afternoon at Hennepin County Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said. Neither Dame nor Ptasnik wore seat belts, the patrol said.

Dame is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, said Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow.

He was on probation for a drunken driving conviction, according to court records. Conditions imposed on him included no use of alcohol or illicit drugs. He had been convicted three other times in the past five years on minor drug and alcohol offenses.

Killed in the other SUV was Duanda L. Robinson, 26, and 2-year-old Damiah A. Anderson, both of Duluth. A family member said Robinson was the child's mother.

Also in Robinson's SUV and expected to survive their injuries were Arriana N. Norling, 22, of Minneapolis, and a boy less than a year old, Jajaun Starks, also of Minneapolis. They were using their restraint devices, the patrol said.

Dame was heading north in the southbound lanes when the collision occurred, said the patrol.