On February 2, 2026, at approximately 11 PM, an on-duty officer with the South Saint Paul Police Department was on routine patrol in the area of Richmond Street West and 7th Avenue South, South Saint Paul, Dakota County, Minnesota. While in that area, the officer observed a vehicle, which was hauling at U- HAUL trailer, make a stop at the intersection Richmond Street West and 7th Avenue South. Instead of proceeding after making a complete stop at the intersection, the vehicle remained completely stopped for approximately 35 seconds at the intersection.
There was no observable cross traffic. Then, while still parked at the stop sign, the driver of the vehicle activated the left turn signal on the vehicle and U-HAUL trailer, and the vehicle turned left. The driver of the vehicle failed to signal properly, in accordance with Minnesota Statute section § 169.19 subdivision 5, and the officer initiated a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the driver, who was identified as JONATHAN WAYNE PALODICHUK [DOB REDACTED]. The officer became aware that PALODICHUK has an ignition interlock restriction, which was not present in the vehicle PALODICHUK was driving.
When asked about the restriction, PALODICHUK said that he did not need it because “the case was dropped.” A review of PALODICHUK’s driving status shows that PALODICHUK has the ignition interlock restriction. PALODICHUK was placed under arrest. PALODICHUK was searched pursuant to a search incident to arrest. In PALODICHUK’s front left pant pocket, the officer located a folded piece of aluminum foil with a black wax-like substance inside, believed to be an illegal controlled substance. The substance was preliminarily tested by the Dakota County Drug Task Force and tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
The net weight of the substance weighed approximately.06 grams.
