On December 24, 2025, an individual called 911 reporting that his 8-year-old sister texted him from the family home saying that their dad, RAMIRO MERCADO RODRIGUEZ [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, is getting physical with their mom, Victim. Police responded to their home in the 8000 block of 14th Avenue in Bloomington, Hennepin County, Minnesota. As police entered the neighborhood, a white truck pulled out. Police conducted checks on the vehicle and found that it was registered to Defendant. Police performed a traffic stop on Defendant while they continued their investigation.
Other officers arrived at the home to find the Victim crying and short of breath. As soon as the Victim [NAME REDACTED], she said, “he hit me.” Through an interpreter, the Victim [NAME REDACTED]. She said she has been with her husband Defendant for 10 years. After opening Christmas presents that evening with their child, she and the Defendant got into an argument. He began screaming at her and then pushed her in the chest. He wrapped both hands around her neck and started choking her. She could not breathe and felt like she was close to passing out.
The Victim was able to kick and punch Defendant until he let go. The Victim [NAME REDACTED], and the Defendant followed. He grabbed her wrists and pulled her aggressively before punching her in the right cheek at least 3 times. He then left the house. Officers observed swelling and bruising beginning to form on the Victim’s right cheek as well as scratches to her left arm and right wrist. Throughout the encounter with police, the Victim [NAME REDACTED]. She stated she was scared for the Defendant to return to the house.
Meanwhile, other officers had Defendant detained nearby. Upon making contact with the Defendant in the driver’s seat, officers immediately detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage and noticed that his eyes were glassy, red, bloodshot, and watery. They also noted Defendant had fresh superficial cuts on both hands and neck. Based on their observations, officers asked Defendant to exit the vehicle to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. He performed poorly on the tests. He also admitted to consuming 4-5 beers.
Officers placed Defendant under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and transported him back to the station at 2141 hours. After reading Defendant the Implied Consent Advisory and giving him an opportunity to consult an attorney, Defendant agreed to take the DataMaster breath test. Two samples were collected at 2223 and 2227 hours. The results of the test showed Defendant had a BAC of.14. Defendant is currently in custody.
