The driver and sole occupant was identified as Eh Kheh Lert [DOB REDACTED], hereafter referred to as "defendant." Officers observed that defendant was animated/fidgety, had dilated pupils, sunken cheeks, and a clammy complexions. Officers also observed a small "tooter" straw commonly used to inhale controlled substances on the floorboard of the vehicle. Officers additionally observed a sword between the passenger side seat and center console. Officers asked defendant to step out of the vehicle for officer safety.
Officers observed another large knife in a sheath on defendant's waist. Defendant gave consent for his vehicle to be searched. Officers found 4 baggies in the back seat of the vehicle that contained a total of approximately 70 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Defendant consented to field sobriety testing. Several cues of impairment were observed during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Modified Romberg, and Finger to Nose tests. Other tests were not performed due to defendant falling over multiple times.
A Drug Recognition Evaluator then examined defendant and concluded that defendant was under the influence of a controlled substance. Defend was then placed under arrest. A search warrant was obtained and executed for a sample of defendant's blood. The sample was obtained and sent to the BCA for analysis. Defendant is currently in detox. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
