A Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputy driving to a routine call on Valentine’s Day was struck by a drunk driver in Ellsworth.

According to the police report, the deputy was driving south on Highway 65 south of West Overlook Drive at 11:15 p.m. when a Buick Encore heading north on Highway 65, driven by Richard Hernan Macas Japon, 31, River Falls, crossed the center line and struck the squad.

The deputy got out of the squad and checked on the Buick’s occupants. Macas Japon had thrown himself into the back seat, which was folded down. The front seat passenger was seated and wearing a seat belt. Nobody else was in the vehicle.

Ellsworth EMS transported Macas Japon to River Falls Area Hospital, who was showing signs of impairment. He smelled strongly of intoxicants and had glassy, bloodshot eyes. He admitted to drinking three beers and registered a .173 BAC. The deputy was also evaluated at the hospital for possible injuries.

Macas Japon said multiple times that he wanted to take responsibility for what happened and would pay whatever he needs to pay. After being medically cleared, police arrested and cited him $500 for cause injury/OWI and $200 for operate without valid license (second within three years). He was transported to Pierce County Jail.