At approximately 11:42 PM on October 31, 2025, Deputy Gutknecht of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office was responding to a call related to underage drinkers at Pounders Bar in the City of Cologne, Carver County. While responding to that call, Deputy Gutknecht observed a male exit the bar and stagger toward a white truck. The male high-fived one of the underage parties and exchanged some words that Deputy Gutknecht believed were slurred. The male then got to his truck and struggled for a significant period of time to open the door.
Deputy Gutknecht walked over to the vehicle and noted that the male, later identified to be Michael Richard Jones [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter Defendant, had gotten into the driver’s seat and started the vehicle. Defendant agreed to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. Defendant’s performance on the HGN Test, the Walk and Turn Test, and the One-Leg Stand Test each indicated impairment. Defendant refused to provide a preliminary breath test. Defendant was placed under arrest and transported to the Carver County Jail where he was read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory.
Defendant stated he would not take a breath test. Defendant stated that he had just gone to his vehicle “to get food from my family.” PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
