Minnetonka mail carrier arrested for delivering mail while drunk

A U.S. Postal Service worker in Minnetonka, Minn. was arrested last week for delivering the mail while drunk.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. last Friday, Minnetonka police received a report of an erratic driver behind the wheel of a U.S. Postal Service mail truck. The caller told police the driver was heading down Excelsior Boulevard and had just barely missed hitting another car.

Police say the driver then turned onto Clear Spring Road, just beyond the Minnetonka library and crashed into a stop sign.

According to the U.S. Postal Service, the driver, 59-year-old Mary Elizabeth Sweet, has been a mail carrier for two years and was on her regular route when she was arrested on DWI charges.

“[Officers] determined they smelled an odor of alcohol, administered some field sobriety tests and ended up arresting her for driving while under the influence of alcohol,” Chief Jeff Sebenaler said.

Sweet had a .297 blood alcohol content when she crashed. A spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service said she has since been placed on non-duty status until the investigation is complete.

“I don't know so much that it's a government worker or not, anyone drinking and driving is a concern to us, it doesn't matter what you do,” Sebenaler said.

Sebenaler said the observant, quick reaction by the 911 caller could have saved lives, including that of the driver.

“We need the citizens to call in whenever they see erratic driving or behavior that concerns them,” Sebenaler said. “That way we can keep our public safe."