On March 5, 2026, at approximately 11:56 P.M., Sgt. McCormack of the Austin Police Department was on routine patrol traveling northbound on 31st Street SW near 16th Avenue SW in the City of Austin, County of Mower, when he observed a black 2016 GMC Sierra (MN LIC/ZAD863) traveling southbound on 31st Street SW. The vehicle was driving with its four-way hazard lights activated. The vehicle then turned eastbound onto 16th Avenue without signaling and continued to travel with its hazard lights on. McCormack followed the vehicle.
Near 25th Street SW, McCormack observed the truck drifting right and crossing the painted white fog line. The vehicle corrected itself and once it was closer to 22nd Street SW, the vehicle began driving over the painted white fog line again. The vehicle then turned southbound onto 22nd Street SW. The vehicle still had its hazard lights on and failed to properly signal its turn again. Sgt. McCormack activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and continued to travel about a block and turned westbound onto 22nd Drive SW where it pulled over.
While making the right turn onto 22nd Drive, the driver turned too tight, briefly going off the pavement and into the grass. Sgt. McCormack approached the vehicle and made contact with the lone driver, ERIK DAVID WANGEN, DOB/032965, the defendant herein. The defendant told McCormack that he could not get “these lights” to turn off, while pointing at the hazard indicators on the dashboard. McCormack asked the defendant where he was going, the defendant replied that he was going to his house (2308 16th Avenue SW), but “missed it.” The defendant stated that he always misses his residence and indicated it’s hard to see coming eastbound, and it “just pops up.” Sgt.
McCormack then asked the defendant if he was able to locate insurance for the truck. The defendant was unable to locate it. McCormack also asked the defendant about his license status. The defendant stated that he did not have a license, and he believed he was revoked. McCormack confirmed the defendant’s driving privileges are cancelled inimical to public safety. While speaking with the defendant, Sgt. McCormack observed the defendant to have droopy eyelids, constricted pupils, and mumbling speech.
McCormack asked the defendant when he last used a controlled substance. The defendant stated it had been five (5) days since he used methamphetamine. Sgt. McCormack asked the defendant to perform the following field sobriety tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus; Lack of Convergence; Modified Romberg; Walk and Turn, fail; One Leg Stand, fail; and PBT, result of 0.00. During the tests, McCormack observed the defendant to have body sway, eyelid flutter, and balance issues. The defendant was placed under arrest and later transported to the Mower County Jail.
