On or about January 11, 2026, Robbinsdale Police responded to a call involving an individual slumped over in a vehicle in the area of 26th Avenue North and Sheridan Avenue North in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The officer observed a vehicle sitting blocking the crosswalk in the northbound lanes of West Broadway. The vehicle had its headlights and taillights on and appeared to be running. The officer checked and could see an occupant in the driver’s seat, who was slumped. The driver was leaned over to the side and appeared to be sleeping or possibly having some kind of medical issue.
Officers were shining lights into the vehicle, and the driver was not responding. The driver's door handle was busted off the car, which is a common sign the vehicle is likely stolen. A window was also busted on the vehicle. The vehicle was a 2015 Hyundai Sonata that had a punched ignition commonly observed with other Hyundai vehicles. This was a sign to law enforcement the vehicle was likely stolen. The vehicle had Minnesota license plates PBV845. However, police ran the VIN on the vehicle, and it was a confirmed stolen vehicle.
Police gained entry to the vehicle, and the driver still did not wake and appeared to be slightly twitching. Officers removed the driver from the vehicle and identified him as ARIEL VENCES-LOPEZ [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein. Defendant confirmed the car was stolen. During a search of the vehicle police found many items including drug paraphernalia and three separate Minnesota license plates in it that were also stolen. The vehicle also contained a multitude of tools which are consistent with burglary tools, and breaking into vehicles.
Defendant was transported to the hospital where a search warrant was obtained for Defendant's blood or urine. Defendant agreed to give a blood sample. Defendant then was brought to the Robbinsdale police department where he had approximately 3.26 grams of field-tested methamphetamine in his jacket. Police also located suspected fentanyl as well. In a post-Miranda statement, Defendant stated he found the car with the back driver’s side window already broken. Defendant stated that the car was already used, and he had then taken it and had been using it for about the last week.
Defendant confirmed he had methamphetamine and fentanyl on his person when searched. Defendant confirmed he used fentanyl about 1-2 hours prior to coming into contact with law enforcement. Defendant did not have permission to take or drive the vehicle. The results of the blood sample are pending analysis. Defendant has two pending felony matters in Hennepin County. At this time, Defendant is currently in the Hennepin County Jail.
