On November 3, 2025 at 11:34 am, Hibbing officers were dispatched to the Mesabi Animal Hospital in reference to a physical domestic. It was reported that male was intoxicated and trying to pull a female out of the car. Sergeant Kyle Horton of the Hibbing Police Department arrived on scene along with Captain Brent Everett of the Hibbing Police Department. The male in question was currently sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle bearing MN license plate SNZ-244. While Captain Everett was speaking with the male, later identified as Vaughn Malcolm Paulson, hereinafter the defendant, Sergeant Horton proceeded inside of the Animal Hospital.
Upon Captain Everett's arrival he could see an employee directing him to a red Jeep bearing MN license number SNZ-244. Captain Everett could see the reverse lights illuminated on the vehicle and it appeared to have been moved approximately one car length away from the sidewalk. Captain Everett's emergency lights were already activated when he parked behind the vehicle. The defendant began exiting the driver seat of the vehicle, so Captain Everett ordered him to stay where he was. Upon approaching Captain Everett began asking the defendant what had occurred.
The defendant said he and his wife were bringing their injured bird to the vet clinic. They got into some sort of dispute upon arriving here and the defendant said he was going to try to drive a short distance away. Captain Everett gathered the two were having an argument, however the defendant was unable to clearly explain what occurred. When asked the defendant said there was no physical altercation, but a short time later he stated his wife was being abusive towards him. When asked the defendant explained she was trying to pull him out of the vehicle.
While speaking with the defendant Captain Everett noted smacking sounds while the defendant was speaking, leading him to believe the defendant's mouth was dry, which can occur during alcohol consumption. Captain Everett could also smell a moderate odor of alcohol coming from the defendant. The defendant admitted to drinking, so Captain Everett had him exit the vehicle. The defendant further explained he had two large glasses of wine within the last hour. The defendant admitted to struggling with alcohol abuse and agreed he was too impaired to drive.
The defendant agreed to perform the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test. During the test Captain Everett observed the defendant swaying from side to side an inch or so. Captain Everett also observed the defendant's eyes were slightly pink and slightly watery. Captain Everett observed lack of smooth pursuit, nystagmus at maximum deviation, and nystagmus prior to forty-five degrees, all in both eyes. The defendant refused to perform the One Leg Stand Test or the Walk and Turn Test due to him having Neuropathy.
