On or about July 18, 2024, at approximately 12:25 A.M., Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Vukelich was traveling westbound on 4th Street SE, near 11th Avenue SE in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota, when he observed a vehicle operating without any rear lights. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Heidi Jo Wenzel, [DOB REDACTED] (hereinafter "Defendant). While speaking with Defendant, Trooper Vukelich observed Defendant to have rapid hand movements. Defendant continuously padded her top lip as her lip was bleeding.
Defendant also had slurred and rapid speech and showed bloodshot/watery eyes. Based on his observations, Trooper Vukelich had Defendant perform standard field sobriety tests. During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Defendant’s eye did not react consistent with nystagmus, but rather seemed to jump ahead and behind Trooper Vukelich's finger. During the modified Romberg test, Defendant estimated the passage of 30 seconds in approximately 23 seconds. Defendant also swayed while balancing and displayed eyelid tremors.
During the Walk and Turn test, Defendant stopped while walking, did not step heel to toe, and performed and improper turn. During the One Leg Stand test, Defendant swayed while balancing, used her arms for balance, and put her foot down. Defendant pulse rate was approximately 120 BPM. Defendant denied using any controlled substances and denied that she had ever used drugs in her life. Defendant was then placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Defendant’s vehicle was searched because Trooper Vukelich had observed an open bottle of alcohol inside.
During a search of the vehicle, Trooper Vukelich located four baggies containing a white powder / crystal-like substance in a purse style bag on the passenger seat floorboard. The substance field tested positive for cocaine and weighed a combine total of 5 grams. Defendant was transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention. A search warrant to collect a fluid sample for Defendant was obtained. Defendant was advised that failure to provide a fluid sample was a crime. Defendant agreed to provide a blood sample and one was collected at 2:25 A.M. The sample was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.
The BCA later reported that Defendant's blood sample tested positive for the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine. Defendant was previously convicted of DWI on 02/24/2020 in Court File No. ••-CR-••-•••• and DWI on 03/02/2016 in Court File No. ••-CR-••-••••. 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 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 1/15/2026 STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
