On or about November 1, 2025, at approximately 4:02 A.M., a Minnesota State Trooper was on patrol in the area of I‐94 and Dowling Avenue in the City of Minneapolis, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. While the trooper was on patrol, the trooper observed a Buick (MN Plate: RZD 630) stalled and partially blocking the ramp to the interstate. The trooper observed that the vehicle did not have any lights on, making it a traffic hazard. The trooper also observed a male who was walling away from the vehicle on the grass near the right shoulder of the westbound lanes.
The trooper drove his squad onto the grass to attempt to make contact with the male. The male continued to walk away from the trooper. The trooper exited the squad and approached the male, later identified as Lionel Delano Blair [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein. Checks revealed Defendant’s driving status was cancelled inimical to public safety. The trooper informed Defendant that he cannot leave his vehicle there. Defendant did not say anything, but put his hands up and turned away. Defendant was told that he needed to walk back to the vehicle as it was blocking traffic.
Defendant indicated “it ain’t blocking traffic.” Defendant indicated that there was a mechanical issue of some sort with the vehicle and that he did not know what was wrong with it. The trooper noticed the odor of consumed alcohol emanated from Defendant’s person. Defendant was directed back to the squad car so the trooper could take him back to the vehicle. Defendant threw his hands up and stated, “nah man, there you go man.” Defendant was asked what happened to his vehicle, and Defendant stated, “I don’t know, it just stopped on me bro.” Defendant was asked where the keys to the vehicle were, and Defendant informed they were “somewhere.” Defendant was asked about alcohol consumption, and Defendant admitted to drinking four beers and four shots.
Defendant was asked to submit to field sobriety tests. The trooper attempted to administer the horizontal gaze nystagmus tests, but Defendant had difficulty tracking the trooper’s finger. Due to the location of the incident, the trooper did not conduct the one leg stand test or the walk and turn test. Defendant was asked to submit to a preliminary breath test, but Defendant began to walk away and refused to take the test, indicating, “because you wrong.” Defendant was placed under arrest for DWI. Defendant was transported to Hennepin County Jail.
The trooper read Defendant the Motor Vehicle Breath Test Advisory. While reading the advisory, Defendant talked over the trooper. Defendant elected to use his attorney time. Defendant did not attempt to contact an attorney and instead rambled about nonsense. After ten minutes, the trooper ended Defendant’s attorney time as Defendant did not make any attempt to call anyone. Defendant then refused to take the breath test because he wanted a lawyer. When asked by the trooper his reason for refusing, Defendant stated, “because you mean.
