Brian Patrick Henderlong

On November 16, 2025, at 12:36 A.M., Trooper Lindemoen with the Minnesota State Patrol was dispatched to a driving complaint in the city of Cottage Grove, Washington County. Dispatch advised that the suspect vehicle was a dark-colored SUV bearing Wisconsin license plate ACV5767. The vehicle was reported to have almost driven into the ditch, was driving 30 miles-per-hour on Highway 61, and was unable to maintain its lane. Trooper Lindemoen caught up to the vehicle on Highway 61 and observed it driving down the middle of both southbound lanes.

The vehicle was slow to respond to the emergency lights, almost hit the guard rail and a road sign as it moved onto the shoulder, and finally came to stop just south of Innovation Road. Trooper Lindemoen made contact with the driver, who did not have his license with him but identified himself as BRIAN PATRICK HENDERLONG, [DOB REDACTED]. As HENDERLONG stepped out of the vehicle, Trooper Lindemoen observed an orange syringe cap on the floorboard of the driver's seat. HENDERLONG had a pale, sweaty face, redness around his eye lids, and pinpoint pupils.

He stated that he had not consumed any alcohol and last used drugs fifteen years prior. HENDERLONG also stated that he was "side swiped" while driving his vehicle, causing damage. Trooper Lindemoen observed apparent crash damage to the passenger side of the vehicle, and a syringe with a clear substance in the center console area. At this point, Trooper Rock arrived and took over the investigation. HENDERLONG fell asleep and nodded off while Trooper Rock was speaking with him, and at one point almost fell over.

Trooper Rock administered the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, One-Leg Stand, and Modified Romberg Balance Field Sobriety Tests, all of which HENDERLONG performed poorly. HENDERLONG was arrested for driving while impaired. During a search of his vehicle, Trooper Rock found two hypodermic needles in the center console cup holders, one of which had been used. Next to the syringes, Trooper Rock found a small white rock, of an apparent controlled substance. A second similar rock was found on the driver's seat.

HENDERLONG was transported to Lakeview Hospital where Trooper Rock obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. Hospital staff were unable to obtain a blood sample due to the condition of HENDERLONG'S arms and not being able to locate a vein. HENDERLONG provided a urine sample, which was sent to the BCA for processing. On March 11, 2026, the BCA released a "Report on the Examination of Physical Evidence," which stated that HENDERLONG'S urine sample contained morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and norfentanyl, all of which are Schedule II controlled substances.

The rock-like substances located in HENDERLONG'S vehicle were also sent to the BCA for testing. On February 27, 2026, the BCA released a " Report on the Examination of Physical Evidence" stating that the substances tested positive for fentanyl and weighed 2.350 grams. HENDERLONG is not currently in custody.