On January 2, 2026, at 6:46 P.M., Carver County Deputy Pufahl Deputy observed a red 2011 Chevrolet Silverado proceed to take a left-handed turn after the stop light had turned red at the intersection of Highway 5 and 41 in the City of Chanhassen, County of Carver. Deputy Pufahl made a traffic stop and identified the driver as Jalen Makai Leibel. Deputy Pufahl noted a vape in the cupholder of the truck and the passenger, Janae Leibel said it was hers. This vape contained THC/cannabis concentrate. Deputy Pufahl informed both of them that it was illegal for anyone under twenty-one years of age to possess any cannabis product.
Jalen was asked if there were any weapons or other drugs inside the car. Jalen stated “no”. Deputy Pufahl returned to his squad car and completed routine checks on Jalen’s driver’s license and motor vehicle registration. Because of the cannabis, Deputy Pufahl again approached the vehicle and advised Jalen and Janae to step out of the vehicle as Deputy Pufahl was going to complete a search of the vehicle. Deputy Pufahl again asked Jalen if he was going to find anything in the car and Jalan esponded in the negative.
Deputy Pufahl first seized the vape containing THC/cannabis concentrate in the cup holder on the center console that he observed earlier. He then observed a small zipper bag with an image of Bob Marley’s face stating Jamaica on it on the floor near the driver’s side. In searching through the bag, there were small plastic baggies of cannabis, four vapes that contained THC/cannabis Concentrate, a Ziplock sandwich baggie that contained cannabis flower in a mason jar, and a small digital scale. Along with those items, a Gen 5 Glock 19 9mm firearm was located inside the bag.
Jalen did not have a permit to carry. The firearm was loaded with a magazine of 17 hollow point rounds. No bullet was in the chamber. The firearm contained a serial number of BXYC535. When ran through dispatch, the firearm was reported stolen out of Fox Crossing Police Department in Wisconsin. Deputy Pufahl spoke to Janae after providing the Miranda warning. Janae stated it was Jalen’s firearm. Janae did not know it was stolen. Janae also stated that the cannabis was Jalen’s and that he sells it.
Deputy Pufahl also spoke to Jalen after providing the Miranda warning. Jalen admitted that the firearm was his and that it was for his protection. When asked why he needed protection, he was silent. When Deputy Pufahl asked Jalen if he knew the firearm was stolen, Jalen remained silent but appeared nervous. Jalen does not have a permit to carry. 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.
