That on June 18, 2025, at approximately 11:26 AM, Officers were called to the area of [ADDRESS REDACTED], in Bloomington, Hennepin County, Minnesota, on a suspicious vehicle call. The RP described the vehicle as a red minivan, parked across the street, going back and forth. The RP advised that the female driver kept putting her feet out of the window. Upon arrival, officers located a red mini van parked in front of the address. The plate displayed on the vehicle was PUX726. This was displayed on a red dodge caravan.
BPD dispatch advised me the plate displayed should be displayed on a silver Honda Odyssey, registered to a JS. Upon making contact with the female driver, she was identified as Sarah Schlender by her MN DL. The officer noted that the keys were in the ignition and the vehicle was running. Upon speaking with her, the officer noted very exaggerated behaviors. The officer noted that there was a blue lock box sitting on the passenger seat, same burnt "scotch boy" (billow pad) in the center console and a stick in the cup holder.
Based on training and experience, the officer believed the lock box possibly contained methadone(later verified to contain methadone). The other items in plain view the officer knew to be associated with illegal drug use. Due to the plates not matching the vehicle, my recruit, Officer Kennedy ran the VIN number of the vehicle. BPD dispatch advised that the VIN did not conform to standards. Schlender was requested to exit the vehicle in order to safely access the VIN sticker on the door. Upon opening the door, the officer saw several "tie off" baggies in the driver's side door handle.
The officer immediately recognized these baggies as baggies that transport illegal drugs. Based on the drug paraphernalia in plain view, they searched the vehicle. They located pipes with drug residue. Based on Schlender's behavior and items located used for illegal drugs, officers asked her when the last time she used drugs was. She seemed confused by this questions. She admitted that she is a needle user and injects fentanyl. She said the last time she used was about midnight. Officers asked her about her Methadone use.
She said she takes 170mg. Based on her admission of use and behaviors, the officer requested that she preform standardized field The first sobriety tests (SFSTs). She agreed. She said she has a TBI from 3 years ago. The officer asked if she has ever been to by a Neurologist/specialty doctor that that she is unsafe to drive. She said no. The officer asked her if her TBI prevented from her walking, standing or balancing on a daily basis. She said no. The officer performed multiple tests and noted multiple clues deriving from those tests.
Based on the above observations and her admission, the officer believed that Schlender was under the influence of a controlled substance and unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. Schlender was placed under arrest for DWI. Officers applied for a search warrant for a blood sample. The warrant was signed by the honorable Sullivan. The officer advised Schlender that he had a search warrant for her blood and that refusal to submit to the warrant was a crime. The officer asked if she would provide a blood sample.
