On November 23, 2025 at approximately 7:04 P.M., Mower County Sheriff Deputy Michael LaCore was on routine patrol and conducted a traffic stop on the 28th Street NE off-ramp of I-90 in the County of Mower. After speaking with the driver of that vehicle, Deputy LaCore observed a 2018 White Ford F15, MN license plate [PLATE REDACTED] parked behind his squad car. Deputy LaCore approached the truck and spoke briefly with the driver, later identified as JOSEPH RICHARD TISCHER, [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter the defendant.
Deputy LaCore informed the defendant that his vehicle registration was expired. Deputy LaCore observed the defendant was smoking a freshly lit cigarette, and he had constricted pupils, a slight finger twitch, clenched jaw, and rigid appearance. Deputy LaCore also noted the defendant had teeth decay. The defendant advised Deputy LaCore that he was waiting for the other driver whom Deputy LaCore had just stopped. After processing the first driver, Deputy LaCore returned to the defendant and asked him if he took any prescription medication.
The defendant stated he was sober and only smokes cannabis. The defendant also stated he has some medical conditions but could not recall them. When asked, the defendant stated he used “weed” and alcohol in the past, then added he used to use cocaine and used to be on Adderall. The defendant said he does not take any medication now and last used methamphetamine years ago. Mower County Sheriff’s Deputy John Mueller and Austin Police Department Officer Ted Sherwood arrived on scene to assist. Deputy LaCore asked the defendant to perform standardized field sobriety tests (SFST’s), and he complied.
The following SFST’s were conducted: Pulse (failed: 110 b.P.M. And 116 b.P.M.); Modified Romberg Test (failed: estimated 30 seconds in 29 seconds and observed eyelid flutter, jaw grinding, and white film in the back of defendant’s mouth); Lack of Convergence (failed: defendant’s eyes did not converge/cross); Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (passed). Deputy LaCore asked the defendant when he last used methamphetamine, and he said it was months ago. When asked again, the defendant said “I don’t know.” While observing the defendant’s interaction with Deputy LaCore, Officer Sherwood noted the defendant had pinpoint pupils even though it was dark, and he licked his lips frequently.
Officer Sherwood also observed the defendant had a white coating in his mouth that was visible when he spoke. Deputy LaCore placed the defendant under arrest for suspicion of driving while under the influence. Deputy LaCore and Officer Sherwood searched the defendant’s vehicle and found the following items in the center console: A red torch lighter, a water bong, a prescription bottle of Adderall in the defendant’s name, a glass pipe with what appeared to be methamphetamine residue, and a broken glass pipe stem with what appeared to be methamphetamine residue.
