On August 15, 2025, Officers Hershberger and Bartsch were on patrol in the same squad car in NW Rochester, Olmsted County, MN. At approximately 12:04 AM, they observed a vehicle (MN EDC983) driving on the roadway with an inoperable rear license plate light. They had just observed the vehicle coming from an address known to be associated with controlled substance sales and the driver engaged in a short-term stop at a nearby apartment complex. Ofc. Bartsch recognized this activity as consistent with controlled substance possession or sales.
A traffic stop was initiated and they made contact with the driver, GABRIELLE HOFFMANN [DOB REDACTED]. While speaking to Hoffmann, Ofc. Bartsch observed an unopened NARCAN device (utilized to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose). Ofc. Bartsch was also familiar with Hoffmann as he had previously arrested her for DWI and controlled substance possession. Ofc. Bartsch observed that Hoffmann was having difficulty sitting still, which could be attributed to controlled substance use or nervousness.
During the traffic stop, an associate of Hoffmann approached the officers and informed them he was going to record the traffic stop. This individual started recording the stop from a dark alleyway. For officer safety purposes, Hoffmann was asked to step out of the vehicle so they could speak to her and view the alleyway at the same time. While continuing to speak with Hoffmann, Ofc. Bartsch noticed her pupils were extremely constricted, which is a sign of controlled substance use and would not normally be expected in dark conditions.
Hoffmann refused to exit the vehicle, intermediately cried, and engaged in rapid speech for about 10 minutes. Ofc. Bartsch again noted that this behavior is consistent with controlled substance use or extreme nervousness. Based on prior interactions with Hoffmann, Ofc. Bartsch observed that her actions during the traffic stop were consistent with how she acts when under the influence of controlled substances. Hoffmann continuously refused to get out of the vehicle, and was eventually placed under arrest for obstructing legal process.
Hoffmann was searched incident to arrest. Miscellaneous items of drug paraphernalia and two dosage units of Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) was found. Hoffmann subsequently refused to complete field sobriety testing. Hoffmann admitted to using fentanyl approximately 12 hours prior to driving and admitted she did not have a prescription for the Suboxone. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 1/21/2026 STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
