Austin James Arnzen

On May 29, 2026, at approximately 12:17 P.M., Saint Paul Officers were working a graduation in the area of University of Saint Thomas. Officer Becerra observed a black Chrysler 300C make an improper turn onto northbound Cretin Avenue from westbound Summit Avenue by turning into the farthest lane. The vehicle also had dark window tint that did not allow officers to see into the vehicle. Officers activated squad emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop at Selby Avenue and Cretin Avenue, Saint Paul, County of Ramsey.

The vehicle was slow to stop. The driver was later identified as AUSTIN JAMES ARNZEN, [DOB REDACTED]. ARNZEN had his hand on top of a black crossbody bag. While standing at the window of the vehicle, Officer Becerra noticed the grip and slide to a firearm tucked in between the driver’s seat and middle console of the vehicle. When asked, ARNZEN said he did not have a permit to carry. ARNZEN was asked to step out of the vehicle and was placed in the back of the squad car. ARNZEN began crying and said, “Oh s***, I’m f*****.” Officer Becerra confirmed ARNZEN does not have a permit to carry a firearm.

After a Miranda advisory, ARNZEN spoke with Officer Becerra. He said he purchased the firearm about four years prior online. ARNZEN said he received all of the parts through the mail and assembled it. He said he went to his brother’s graduation and had the firearm in his vehicle. ARNZEN said he took the firearm to the graduation to look cool and for protection. The firearm has been in his vehicle for a couple of days and he has touched it. The firearm was identified as a Polymer 80 with light and laser, 9mm handgun, no serial number.

There was also a magazine with multiple rounds. Officers searched the black crossbody bag. Officers located several individual pink capsules with a crystal like substance, clear capsules with a crystal like substance, a clear bag with a crystal like substance, and a scale. ARNZEN provided a voluntary DNA sample. Presumptive tests were conducted on some of the drugs. Item #5, pink capsules containing crystal like substance, result positive methamphetamine, net weight.62 grams. Item #7 contained 8 Ziploc baggies; each filled with clear capsules containing a rocky crystal substance.

One pack of 10 capsules was separated. Item #7A, clear capsules containing crystal like substance, positive methamphetamine, net weight.80 grams.