On September 11, 2025, at 11:34 AM, an officer with the Columbia Heights Police Department was on patrol in the 4000 block of Central Avenue in Columbia Heights, Anoka County. At the intersection of 41st Ave and Central Ave NE, the officer observed a black Saturn Ion (MN/RPF208) approach the intersection as the traffic light went from yellow to red. The Saturn slammed on their brakes and stopped in the crosswalk which would prevent people from crossing safely. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and approached the female driver, requesting her driver's license and proof of insurance.
The female stated she did not have a driver's license and that she had a drug warrant out of Scott County. Law enforcement could smell a strong odor of fresh marijuana coming from the vehicle and requested the driver step out of the car. The female was identified as GLORIA GARCIA ([DOB redacted]), "Defendant" herein. Dispatch confirmed Defendant had a felony warrant out of Scott County and she was placed under arrest. Defendant told law enforcement that she had marijuana inside her backpack in the vehicle.
During a search of Defendant, Detective Miller located three small plastic baggies containing a white rock substance and a digital scale in the pockets of Defendant's sweater. The vehicle was searched, and law enforcement located a small green pouch on the front passenger seat with a small baggie containing a clear crystal substance inside along with Defendant's MN ID card. The substances found on Defendant and in the vehicle were sent to the forensic laboratory for testing, the results of which were positive for a total of 5.812 grams of methamphetamine and 1.439 grams of cocaine.
