The vehicle’s speed varied from 40mph to 60mph in a 60-mph zone. Officer Hanson also observed the vehicle abruptly swerve crossing the center line and the fog line before moving into the right lane at the same time the blinker was activated. Office Hanson noted that the vehicle drove on the fog line for a significant amount of time. Officer Hanson then conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 10 and Liberty Lane, Sherburne County, MN. Officer Hanson made contact with the driver, later identified as DERRICK DENNIS REKOWSKI, [DOB REDACTED] [hereinafter defendant], who appeared extremely sweaty and confused.
Officer Hanson also observed the front seat passenger, identified as K. L. C to be very fidgety. The defendant indicated that he was traveling to Little Falls. K. L. C informed Officer Hanson that she did not know where they were, and they had just left Saint Cloud attempting to get to Little Falls. Officer Mello arrived on scene and observed the defendant to be extremely nervous, standing rigidly, clenching his fists and having a hard time keeping his balance. As Officer Mello was speaking with the defendant he noted that the defendant could not remember where he was coming from or where he was going.
The defendant then admitted to Officer Mello that he and K. L. C are users of methamphetamine and there was “a little bit of meth” inside the car. The defendant then consented to a search of the vehicle. Upon search of the vehicle, Officer Mello located the following; a sandwich baggie in the front console that contained a large amount of a white crystal-like substance. Scale under the front driver seat with white powder Several empty small baggies between the driver’s side door and seat The defendant was then transported to Monticello CentraCare Hospital and was given the standard field sobriety test (SFST). Officer Hanson observed the defendant to have several signs of impairment which included swaying from side to side, losing his balance several times, having to be reminded of the instructions, no heel to toe touching, and stepping off the line.
Officer Hanson was granted a search warrant at 0306 by the Honorable Judge Bollman for the defendant’s blood. The substance was NIK tested and rendered positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately 52.3 grams without packaging. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49, intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
