On or about April 3, 2026, an Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to Interstate 94 on a driving complaint involving a vehicle with an Idaho plate. It was reported that the vehicle was swerving and not using signals. The deputy located the vehicle in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and observed the vehicle swerve over the center line. The vehicle was initially traveling in excess of 70 miles per hour, and then slowed to 64 miles per hour, and then continued traveling with varying speeds in excess of the speed limit and under the speed limit.
The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop at approximately 11:04 am by activating the squad’s emergency lights and siren. The vehicle did not stop and continued traveling at varying rates in the 60 mph range. At approximately 11:11 am, the vehicle activated flashers and appeared to be pulling over. At approximately 11:12 am, the vehicle stopped. The driver was identified through his North Dakota driver’s license as MIGUEL ANGEL GRIJALBA SIERRA, DOB; 09/17/1996, the defendant. The defendant was informed he was under arrest for fleeing in a motor vehicle.
The defendant asked if there was anything that could be done, claiming he was not running away and was just confused. The defendant received his Miranda advisory. The defendant then told the deputy that he had not heard the alarm because he had music playing and the car sound system was loud. The defendant stated he saw the lights and started reducing his speed and going back and forth because he did not know what to do. The defendant estimated he had seen the emergency lights about one mile before stopping.
The defendant said he called his family for advice. The defendant acknowledged he should have stopped when he saw the emergency lights. 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.
