On or about October 17, 2025, at approximately 3:12 PM, Officer Slinger of the Bayport Police Department was dispatched on report of a driving complaint in the area of 3rd Ave S and 4th St S, City of Bayport, Washington County, Minnesota. The driving complaint stated a silver Lincoln had struck the side of a bridge and continued driving. The driver was later identified as ERICH JOHN BURGHARD, [DOB REDACTED], the Defendant herein. The officer found the vehicle as described and followed it to observe driving conduct.
Defendant was seen driving partially over the center line and right shoulder, nearly strike a boat trailer. The officer proceeded to conduct a traffic stop. Upon requesting Defendant's license, Defendant stated he didn't have one. When asked for his name, Defendant provided his first and last. Upon requesting his middle name, Defendant paused and requested time to think about it. Upon asking for his address, Defendant provided his phone number. Defendant admitted to have "way too much" to drink. Defendant was noted to have bloodshot, watery eyes, poor motor skills, slurred speech, and an odor of consumed alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath.
The officer proceeded to conduct standardized field sobriety tests. Defendant showed several signs of impairment during the tests and, after a preliminary breath test, was revealed to have a BAC of 0.29. Defendant was placed under arrest and transported to Washington County Jail. At the jail, Defendant was read the MN Breath Test Advisory. Defendant stated he did not understand several times. Defendant was provided an opportunity to contact an attorney, which he did. Defendant declined to take the breath test but stated he didn't want to commit any additional crimes.
The officer explained it was an additional crime to refuse the test. Defendant ultimately agreed take the breath test, producing a final result of 0.28 BAC. A review of Defendant's record shows no prior qualifying convictions.
