On November 23, 2025, at approximately 11:11 P.M., Officer Hansen of the Austin Police Department was on routine patrol traveling southbound in the 2200 block of 4th Street NW in the City of Austin, County of Mower, when he observed a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 (MN license JJV617) traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. Hansen activated his front radar and obtained a reading between 37-39 mph in a 30-mph zone. As the truck passed Hansen, he observed the truck cross over the painted white fog line.
Hansen turned to follow the truck. As Officer Hansen turned around, he observed the truck drifting towards the yellow center line and almost cross it at the 2200 block. Hansen began to catch up to the vehicle and again observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Hansen activated the radar and captured the truck’s speed at 41 mph in a 30-mph zone. Hansen observed the truck cross over the painted white fog line again near the intersection of 25th Avenue. Hansen initiated a traffic stop near the 2800 block of 4th Street NW. As Officer Hansen approached the vehicle, he observed a plume of smoke coming from the driver’s window.
Hansen contacted the lone driver, BILLY RAY FRANKLIN CORDES, DOB/010986, the defendant herein, and observed him to be smoking a freshly lit cigarette. Hansen asked the defendant for his driver’s license and where he was coming from. The defendant stated he was out with friends, was heading home, and that he did not think he was speeding. The defendant then clarified that he “may have been going slightly over 40.” Officer Hansen also asked the defendant for proof of insurance. The defendant attempted to retrieve it from his phone.
Hansen observed the defendant to then open the “X” app and begin creating an account. While speaking with the defendant, Hansen observed the defendant to be heavily intoxicated as his speech was extremely lethargic and slurred, his eyes were glossy, there was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant through the odor of cigarette smoke, his movements were lethargic, and had clear lack of perception while attempting to retrieve his insurance. Officer Hansen asked the defendant to exit his vehicle.
As the defendant stepped out, his wallet fell to the ground and he appeared unsteady on his feet. Hansen then asked the defendant if he had any weapons on him. The defendant informed Hansen there was a gun in the center console of the truck and stated, “I’m not registered to not have it…” Hansen asked the defendant if he had a conceal carry permit, which the defendant stated he did not. The defendant said he picked up the gun today and it was his. The defendant also stated that it was loaded. Hansen confirmed that the defendant did not have a conceal carry permit.
Officer Hansen then opened the unlocked center console and observed a large caliber revolver sitting inside, uncased, and within the reach of the defendant when seated in the driver’s seat. Hansen removed the revolver and found it was fully loaded with 6 rounds. Hansen later examined the revolver and saw that it was a Stoeger Model 1873.357 magnum caliber revolver. Officer Hansen asked the defendant about his alcohol consumption. The defendant stated that he had four (4) beers in total with his last being consumed at least 30 minutes prior to the stop.
