On January 26, 2026, at approximately 5:23 A.M., police on routine patrol driving eastbound on Plato Boulevard near State Street in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, observed a vehicle driving westbound before conducting a U-turn at Eva Street to go eastbound. While making the U-turn, the vehicle oversteered and drove up onto a snowbank before continuing eastbound. The officer got behind the vehicle and observed the vehicle drive in two lanes, fail to signal a lane change, and fail to signal a turn northbound onto East Lafayette Frontage Road.
The officer activated the squad’s emergency lights to effectuate a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop right away, so the officer activated the squad’s siren multiple times. The vehicle continued driving up the entrance ramp to northbound Highway 52 then eventually stopped at the top of the ramp. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver and sole occupant, HUBERT VEU – [DOB REDACTED], kept the window closed, and the officer had to knock on it to get him to open it. The officer observed a red solo cup in the center console.
As the officer spoke with VEU, he noted the following indicia of alcohol impairment: the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from VEU’s breath, dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. When asked how much he had to drink, VEU said he was “just chilling.” VEU then said he wanted to go home before finally stating that he had a few drinks when he got to his friend’s an hour ago. The officer attempted to perform the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test as VEU sat in the vehicle, but VEU continued moving his head despite being told not to.
The officer had VEU step out of the vehicle to conduct field sobriety tests. VEU stumbled and grabbed onto the vehicle door. During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, the officer observed a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, involuntary jerking of the eye at maximum deviation in both eyes, and involuntary jerking of the eye prior to 45 degrees. VEU also kept moving his head despite directives not to. VEU was asked to provide a breath sample. As the breathalyzer was being turned on, VEU said, “I know you’re going to get me anyway.” When asked what for, VEU responded, “I’ve been drinking.” The breathalyzer result was 0.343 BrAC. VEU was taken into custody for suspicion of driving while impaired.
In a search incident to arrest, police recovered VEU’s car keys, wallet, and a black leather bag. At the Ramsey County Jail, VEU was unhandcuffed in the garage to conduct additional field sobriety tests. The officer attempted to explain the one leg stand test, but VEU repeatedly said he wanted to go home. Eventually, the officer was able to explain the test, and VEU indicated that he wanted to take the test. However, VEU never began the test and was eventually taken inside. The officer read VEU the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory.
