On January 17, 2026, at 7:36 A.M., Woodbury Police Officer responded to an injury crash in the intersection of Valley Creek Road/I494 in the city of Woodbury, Washington County, MN. Officer arrived on scene and observed two vehicles, one had severe front-end damage. Officer then spoke with Cristian Alberto Mendoza Sanchez, [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles. Defendant complained of stomach pain and had some blood on his hands and pants. Defendant said that he needed an ambulance.
Defendant had bloodshot and watery eyes and a slow gait but denied any alcohol use. Defendant said he did use marijuana about 1 to 2 hours before the crash. Due to Defendant's injuries, no field sobriety tests were performed. Defendant was arrested and searched. During this search, a clear plastic bag containing a pink crystalline powder was located and field tested positive for methamphetamine. Defendant also had a balled-up piece of paper that was later unrolled and found to have a white powdery substance inside.
The substance field tested positive as cocaine. Also in Defendant's possession: Blue package containing suspected marijuana Green package containing suspected marijuana Fixed blade knife with sheath Three glass pipes Small digital scale $268.91 cash Two cell phones Purple vape with yellow wax/resin It was also learned that one of the other vehicle's occupants was being transported for medical treatment. Victim #1 went to the hospital to be treated for back pain. A release of information was signed.
While at the hospital, a CSO arrived that was able to translate for Defendant. Defendant was provided his Miranda Rights. Defendant said the vehicle he was driving is registered to Lacy Porter, but he is the person who drives it. Defendant said he was driving the vehicle and fell asleep. Defendant said when he awoke, he did not have time to react before crashing. Defendant said he used marijuana in the morning and other drugs the previous afternoon. Defendant said that the black backpack in the vehicle was his.
Defendant said he was transporting money so that his friend could buy a vehicle. A search warrant was obtained for Defendant's blood/urine. Defendant consented to a blood draw. 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 1/20/2026 Further testing was completed on the located substances: 3.51 grams of pink powder/crystalline substance from clear baggie - Field tested positive for methamphetamines with fentanyl. 1.2 grams of white powdery substance - Field tested positive for cocaine.
Defendant was medically cleared and arrested and remains in custody.
