On or about April 6, 2026 at approximately 7:07 P.M., Austin Police Department Officer Damien Schroeder was on routine patrol, traveling north on Main Street near the intersection of 5th Place NW in the City of Austin, County of Mower when he observed a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder bearing MN license plate WT4668 driving south on Main Street. Officer Schroeder ran the license plate and noted the registered owner, PETER ARUEI RIEK KUOL, [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter the defendant, had a driver’s license status of Cancelled – Inimical to Public Safety.
Officer Schroeder briefly lost sight of the vehicle before locating it again at the intersection of 3rd Avenue NW and 4th Street NW. He confirmed through dispatch that the defendant, the registered owner, had a driver’s license status of Cancelled – Inimical to Public Safety. While receiving confirmation through dispatch, Officer Schroeder observed the defendant drive through the intersection of 4th Avenue NW and 8th Street NW, which has posted, four-way stop signs, without stopping. Officer Schroeder initiated a traffic stop, pulling the vehicle over in the 500 block of 10th Street NW. Officer Schroeder made contact with the driver, whom he confirmed to be the defendant and registered owner of the vehicle, and advised the defendant he stopped him for running the stop sign.
Officer Schroeder asked the defendant for his driver’s license, and Officer Schroeder observed the defendant had slow, lethargic movements while attempting to retrieve his license. Officer Schroeder asked the defendant where he was coming from, and the defendant said he was coming from the park where he had been exercising. While speaking with the defendant, Officer Schroeder noted he had slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, and smelled the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from the defendant.
Officer Schroeder asked the defendant to exit the vehicle and asked him how much he had had to drink, and the defendant first said a little bit but then said he drank quite a bit and began drinking yesterday. Officer Schroeder began conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST’s), starting with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. Officer Schroeder asked the defendant if he had any questions about the test, the defendant said no, and officer Schroeder observed the defendant stare straight forward at Officer Schroeder while moving his head.
Officer Schroeder instructed the defendant several times to look at his finger and move his eyes, not his head, but the defendant continued to not follow his instructions. Officer Schroeder asked the defendant if he would provide a preliminary breath test, and the defendant said no. Officer Schroeder asked the defendant if he would complete any other SFST’s, and the defendant declined. Officer Schroeder advised the defendant that he was under arrest for Driving after Cancellation – Inimical to Public Safety and suspicion of driving while impaired.
