At around 3:17 AM on May 1, 2026, Trooper Hatlestad saw a 1994 Cadillac Deville bearing Minnesota license plates KZD505 on Interstate 94. The Cadillac suddenly merged from the far left lane to exit at Hamline Avenue. Trooper Hatlestad entered the Cadillac’s license plate and discovered its registration was suspended. Trooper Hatlestad stopped the Cadillac at Hamline and Concordia Avenues, St. Paul, Ramsey County. The Cadillac’s driver, MARK JEROME JOHNSON ([DOB redacted]), lit a fresh cigarette – a common tactic to obscure the odor of alcohol, and he only rolled down his window a couple of inches.
Johnson had bloodshot eyes. When asked for his driver’s license, Johnson was argumentative and said he would only give his driver’s license to Trooper Hatlestad’s supervisor. Johnson refused to provide his license multiple times when asked. A St. Paul officer arrived, and Trooper Hatlestad asked Johnson to get out of the Cadillac. Johnson exited, got down on his knees, and put his hands behind his head without being asked to do so. Johnson then agreed to provide his license. Trooper Hatlestad discovered Johnson’s license was cancelled as inimical to public safety and had a zero drug or alcohol restriction.
Officers arrested Johnson. Trooper Hatlestad searched the Cadillac prior to having it towed, and he fond a three-quarters empty 1.75 liter bottle of vodka in the trunk. Johnson complained that officers searched the Cadillac. Trooper Hatlestad noted a strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from Johnson when Johson was in his squad. Johnson told officers he was on his way to work. Johnson declined to provide a custodial statement. Trooper Hatlestad read the breath test advisory to Johnson.
Johnson declined to speak to an attorney. Johnson declined to provide a breath sample on the DataMaster. Johnson has a prior felony DWI test refusal in Ramsey County District Court file ••-CR-14-••••. Johnson has a prior felony DWI test refusal in Ramsey County District Court file ••-CR-10-••••. Johnson has a prior gross misdemeanor DWI test refusal in Hennepin County District Court file 27-CR-08- 18341. Johnson has a prior gross misdemeanor DWI in Hennepin County District Court file ••-CR-05-••••••.
