Estanislado Hernandez

On or about May 2, 2026, Mille Lacs County Deputy observed a maroon truck in the area of the Dairy Queen located at 415 10th Ave SE, Milaca, Mille Lacs County. Deputy observed the truck crash into the menu sign for the drive-thru. Prior to observing what happened, Deputy was made aware of a driving complaint that involved a maroon truck and the driver was wearing a blue shirt, white pants, and boots. The drive was later identified as ESTANISLADO HERNANDEZ [DOB REDACTED]. Deputy activated his emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

HERNANDEZ came to a stop. When Deputy stepped out of the squad car, HERNANDEZ took off in the vehicle and began to flee. HERNANDEZ turned east onto Highway 23 and Deputy activated his sirens and pursued the vehicle. As HERNANDEZ was traveling east on Highway 23, Deputy observed one of the tires to be damaged and appeared flat. HERNANDEZ then drove into a ditch and struck a road sign. HERNANDEZ continued in the ditch and refused to stop. As HERNANDEZ was coming to the intersection of Highway 23 and 105th Ave, in the ditch, the vehicle became stuck and came to a stop.

Deputy began giving commands to HERNANDEZ. HERNANDEZ then jumped out of the vehicle and began to flee on foot. At this time, Deputy was able to match HERNANDEZ’s appearance with the description of the driver from the prior driving complaint made. A K9 came to the scene and Deputies began giving K9 warnings to HERNANDEZ. HERNANDEZ then laid down in the grass and was placed into custody. While assisting other Officers with placing HERNANDEZ into custody, Deputy could smell the odor of an intoxicating substance coming from his person and breath.

HERNANDEZ also had slurred speech, consistent with being intoxicated. Sergeant performed an inventory search of the vehicle and located a box of 0.22 caliber ammunition. It was later learned that HERNANDEZ was prohibited from possessing any firearms and ammunition. The ammunition was seized and the vehicle was towed for forfeiture. HERNANDEZ was transferred to the deputy’s squad car. When speaking with HERNANDEZ, he stated that he did not speak English, but when asked multiple questions in English, he appeared and acknowledged as if he understood.

Deputy requested HERNANDEZ to provide a breath sample using a PBT. HERNANDEZ stated that he would not. HERNANDEZ was transported to the Mille Lacs County Jail. Once at the Jail, HERNANDEZ was placed into the Detox room. HERNANDEZ began to become argumentative and began to say that he did not understand English. Deputy was able to get an interpreter on the phone to explain the implied consent advisory. During the reading, HERNANDEZ was argumentative and constantly talking over the interpreter. After being read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory, HERNANDEZ was given approximately 18 minutes to make contact with a lawyer.