On or about November 2, 2025, at approximately 1:18 A.M., a Minnesota State Trooper was dispatched to a crash on I‐35W to 3rd Street, in the City of Minneapolis, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Upon arrival, the trooper observed a Ford Fusion on the right curb with significant driver and passenger side damage. The trooper also observed a Lincoln Town Car (MN Plate: CRM 472) with rear end damage. The trooper approached the driver of the Lincoln, later identified as Austen Wendell Luetmer [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, who was standing near the shoulder of the roadway.
Defendant pointed to his car, the Lincoln, and indicated that his vehicle’s fuel cut off. As the trooper was speaking to Defendant, the driver of the Ford, identified as B. M., came over to speak with the trooper. B. M. Indicated that Defendant ran into him. Defendant was asked what happened and he indicated he was “taking the right and lost it on the back.” Defendant indicated that his vehicle’s back end came out, went to the right, and struck B. M.’s vehicle. As the trooper spoke with Defendant, the trooper began to smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting directly from his mouth.
Defendant was asked where he was coming from, and Defendant indicated “Plymouth.” Defendant was asked what was in Plymouth and he said his house. The trooper asked Defendant if he was going home, and Defendant replied, “nope, coming from Halloween, back home.” The trooper observed Defendant swaying, with bloodshot watery eyes, slow blinking, and slow motor movement. Defendant was asked how much he had to drink, and Defendant indicated “a couple beers.” Defendant was asked to submit to field sobriety tests.
During these tests, the trooper observed clues of impairment. Defendant was asked how many drinks he had, and Defendant indicated, “four beers.” Defendant provided a breath sample for the preliminary breath test (PBT), which showed an alcohol concentration of 0.154. Defendant was placed under arrest for DWI. Upon a search of the vehicle, the trooper located a loaded firearm inside the glove box. Defendant had a valid permit to carry. Defendant was transported to the Hennepin County Jail. The trooper read Defendant the Motor Vehicle Breath Test Advisory.
Defendant declined to consult with an attorney and agreed to take the breath test. At 1:13 A.M., Defendant provided a breath test that revealed an alcohol concentration of 0.16. The trooper also read the Firearm Breath Test Advisory. Defendant indicated he understood the advisory and submitted to a breath test.
