On or about January 22, 2026, at approximately 4:48 P.M., Sheriff M. Empting and Minnesota State Troopers C. Lundeen and A. Zajac responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in a ditch with a possible intoxicated driver. On the scene, Lundeen made contact with the driver of the vehicle, who was refusing to identify himself. Lundeen was able to smell a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the driver, who was later identified as VAKABA WILLIAM [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter the Defendant. The Defendant's speech was noticeably slurred, and his eyes were extremely bloodshot and watery.
Sheriff M. Empting further reported that the Defendant appeared to have trouble balancing and was unsteady at times. The Defendant denied drinking. The Defendant continued to refuse to identify himself. The Defendant did state that he was from 'Philly' and had a license on him, but would not be handing it over or identifying himself. The Defendant was informed that if he did not identify himself, he would be placed under arrest. The Defendant continued to refuse to identify himself. The Defendant was informed that he was under arrest, but refused to leave his locked vehicle.
The Defendant had the window cracked, and Trooper Zajac was able to reach into the vehicle and unlock the door. The Defendant had to be physically removed from the driver's seat, and refused to place his hands behind his back to be placed in handcuffs. The Defendant was eventually placed under arrest and transported to Essentia for medical clearance due to concerns of potential for frost bite. The Defendant was cleared, and brought to the jail. On the way to the jail, the Defendant stated he was going to spit on Trooper Zajac.
The Defendant then spit on trooper Zajac's jacket, face, and mouth and continually threatened to sue law enforcement officers. At Essentia, the Defendant spit in Trooper Zajac's face again as Zajac attempted to place a spit mask over the Defendant's face. At one point during the interaction, the Defendant identified himself using his proper name and date of birth, but additionally identified himself as an individual with the initials S. W., and gave a different date of birth. Trooper Lundeen read the Defendant a breath test advisory, but due to the Defendant's refusal to provide his name was unable to complete the process.
Trooper Lundeen further attempted to read the Defendant a breath test advisory later, but was unable to complete it due to the Defendant's conduct and refusal to identify himself. The Defendant's identity was later confirmed after he again identified himself, and his ID was confirmed using past booking photos. The Defendant was previously convicted of driving under the influence on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
