On November 13, 2025, at approximately 1:00 P.M., Wright County SIU Agents Young and Ryan were in the city of Monticello attempting to apprehend Kara Nicole Babcock, [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter the defendant, on her outstanding Wright County Warrants. Agent Ryan observed a red Ford Focus bearing Minnesota license plate [PLATE REDACTED] exit the West Cello Apartments, [ADDRESS REDACTED], Monticello, Wright County, Minnesota, which is the defendant’s listed address. Agent Ryan advised that the vehicle had a male driver and female passenger, with the vehicle having loud exhaust and a cracked windshield.
As the vehicle traveled west on Broadway West, Agent Young was facing north on Maple St and could see the female passenger who appeared to match the defendant's description. Agent Ryan continued to follow the vehicle recognized the driver as Matthew Leslie Gay, who he knew to have an active Sherburne County Warrant. Agents conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle as it turned east onto River St E and then pulled into Walgreen's at approximately 1:15 P.M. Agent Young approached the passenger side of the vehicle where he confirmed the passenger to be Babcock.
He could also see the driver at this time and confirmed it was Gay. However, when asked, the passenger denied being the defendant. Agent Young then advised her she had warrants and was under arrest. The defendant had two cell phones under her leg and two bags between her legs. Her warrants were confirmed, and she was arrested. The defendant continued to ask for her phone and Agent Young removed both phones from the vehicle, a backpack and purse that were between her legs, and two or three loose sweatshirts, at her request.
The defendant was allowed to make a phone call to her father, but he did not answer, then stated she needed her notebook from her purse which had phone numbers on it. The defendant’s backpack and purse were searched incident to arrest. The black purse contained a black tube with a screw off lid. When Agent Young opened the black tube, he observed a few small pieces of white crystal substance fall out and into the purse. Agent Ryan field tested the white crystal which field tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as two larger chunks of white crystal in the tube.
There were hypodermic needles in the defendant’s purse, one of which had a clear liquid in it. Agent Young located the defendant’s ID and other cards with her name on them inside of a purse which was in the bigger black purse. At the Sheriff's Office, Agent Young tested the white crystal was found to weigh 1.5 grams and again field tested positive for methamphetamine.
