On November 25, 2025, at approximately 11:56 P.M., Cottage Grove Officer Rinzel stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation. The vehicle was traveling on Hadley Avenue, Cottage Grove, Washington County, Minnesota. The vehicle clocked going 36 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone, then 50 in a 35. He also observed erratic driving displayed by the driver, later identified as William Daniel Winter (defendant), [DOB REDACTED]. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the defendant.
When asked for his driver's license, defendant provided a Minnesota Picture Identification Card. Defendant's driving privileges were cancelled- inimical to public safety. While speaking with the defendant the officer observed indicia that indicated defendant maybe under the influence. The officer also observed a blue plastic straw that had a white powdery substance on it. The defendant was asked to perform field sobriety tests. Based on those results the defendant was placed under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) of a controlled substance.
Defendant was then transported to the Cottage Grove Police Department where he was advised of his rights. A warrant was obtained for defendants' blood or urine. Defendant provided a urine sample. The urine was sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for confirmation testing. The tests revealed that defendant was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of amphetamine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. The defendant has prior qualified convictions for DUI or DUI related actions from September 29, 2025, 8/8/2019 and 5/30/2019. 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 STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
