On March 4, 2026, at approximately 10:23 PM, an on-duty deputy with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol in the City of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota. While the deputy was traveling northbound on Cedar Avenue near 140th Street, the deputy was traveling behind a vehicle bearing MN License Plate [PLATE REDACTED]. The parties were stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green, the deputy observed the vehicle accelerate at a high rate of speed. The deputy activated his same-lane front radar and observed a reading that the above-noted vehicle was traveling approximately 54-mph in a 45- mph zone.
The deputy activated his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop. The traffic stop took place near Cedar Avenue and 138th Street E in Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota. The officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle, and they were identified as NINO OUK [DOB REDACTED]. While speaking with OUK, the deputy could smell a moderate odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle. The deputy observed OUK to have slightly bloodshot and watery eyes. When asked how much he had to drink, OUK stated he had “2 beers” at a bar/restaurant, with his last beverage having been consumed approximately 30-40 minutes prior to the police contact.
OUK’s driving status appeared to be cancelled- inimical to public safety. Given the information and the observations, the deputy had concerns about OUK’s ability to continue operating the vehicle. OUK agreed to participate in field sobriety testing. During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, the deputy observed a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes. During the one leg stand test, OUK swayed, used his arms for balance, and put his foot down.
During the walk and turn test, OUK lost balance during the instructions, missed heel to toe, stepped off the line, took an incorrect number of steps, and made an improper turn. OUK took a preliminary breath test, which yielded a test result of.12 BAC. OUK was transported to the Rosemount Police Department and was read the Breath Test Advisory. OUK agreed to take the Breath Test and provided two samples which yielded a test result of.12 BAC. The test was administered at approximately 11:13 PM.
