That on or about July 18, 2025 at approximately 4:44 A.M., Trooper Strogoteanu was dispatched to a single car accident located at Highway 100 and Minnetonka Boulevard in St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Trooper Strogoteanu arrived and located the vehicle, which had struck a guard rail on the right side of the road. The driver was still sitting in the driver’s seat trying to reverse the vehicle away from the guard rail. Trooper Strogoteanu approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as KEVIN SANCHEZ ROJAS (“Defendant” herein). As Trooper Strogoteanu approached the vehicle, he observed Defendant reach down with his left hand and conceal something.
Defendant had delayed reactions and struggled to unlock the vehicle and roll down the window. Trooper Strogoteanu opened the driver’s side door and immediately observed a tan pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. Trooper Strogoteanu also immediately smelled and overwhelming odor of consumed alcoholic beverage. Trooper Strogoteanu noticed Defendant had glossy, bloodshot eyes, and his speech was slurred. Trooper Strogoteanu recovered the pistol and asked Defendant to step out of the vehicle. Defendant had poor balance and admitted he drank “too much.” Trooper Strogoteanu administered field sobriety tests on Defendant, on which Defendant performed poorly.
Defendant submitted a Preliminary Breath Test sample of 0.201. Trooper Strogoteanu placed Defendant under arrest. A search of Defendant’s vehicle revealed a backpack in the backseat with a magazine belonging to the pistol that was recovered from the vehicle. Trooper Strogoteanu also recovered a half full bottle of Hennessey cognac on the passenger side floorboard. Trooper Strogoteanu transported Defendant to the Hennepin County Jail where he was read the Breath Test Advisory. Defendant agreed to provide a breath sample, which registered 0.18g/210L at 6:10 A.M. Trooper Strogoteanu also read Defendant the firearms advisory.
Defendant agreed to provide a breath test sample, which registered 0.18g/210L at 6:36 A.M. Defendant did not have a permit to carry the firearm. At present, Defendant is not in custody.
