It was reported that JOEL EDWARD THAYER [DOB REDACTED] was on the property without permission and threatened to beat up the reporting party's brother. While en route it was reported that THAYER had left and was possibly intoxicated, that there could be a firearm in his vehicle, and that THAYER lived just north of Brill Avenue. Deputy Bruce checked the area for THAYER but did not locate him. At approximately 1:47 AM, it was reported that THAYER was back driving in the area in a dark Cadillac Deville.
Deputy Bruce was in that area traveling north and observed headlights coming toward him. The oncoming vehicle turned prior to meeting Deputy Bruce. After Deputy Bruce turned to follow, the vehicle had sped up creating a significant distance from the intersection. Deputy Bruce's radar showed the vehicle at 65 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. As Deputy Bruce caught up to the vehicle, it appeared the vehicle may have distinguished its lights to make a turn at the intersection, as Deputy Bruce did not observe the vehicle's lights turn either direction.
Deputy Bruce arrived at the intersection and then saw taillights going north on Brill Avenue so he continued that direction. As he turned he observed the vehicle then turn right. As Deputy Bruce approached the area he last saw the vehicle's lights, he observed there was no road there. At that time, dispatch advised that THAYER sometimes went to a family farmstead property across from his residence, which is where Deputy Bruce last saw the vehicle. Deputy Bruce pulled into the farmstead property and drove to the backside of a barn, which is where he located the Cadillac with THAYER in the driver's seat.
THAYER exited the vehicle and began walking towards the barn. Deputy Bruce made contact with THAYER and located no firearm. As Deputy Bruce spoke to THAYER about the reported disturbance, he observed a strong odor of alcohol coming from THAYER. THAYER stated he knew he was going to the "clank" for "drinking and driving" and that he had had too much to drink that night. THAYER stated he "just wanted to get away and hide so this wouldn't happen." Deputy Bruce offered field sobriety tests and THAYER stated "you know, I know" that "it's inevitable that I"m going with you." THAYER had bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech.
Deputy Bruce allowed THAYER to bring his dogs that were in the vehicle to his home across the street. THAYER staggered as he walked and at one point stumbled into the bushes. Deputy Bruce transported THAYER to the Becker County Jail and read him the Breath Test Advisory. THAYER agreed to take a breath test, which resulted in.15 alcohol concentration at 3:30 AM. THAYER was convicted of DWI on May 3, 2024 in Court File ••-CR-••-•••• and on August 8, 2023 in Court File ••-CR-••-••••. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn.
