On September 14, 2025, at approximately 5:16 A.M., Trooper Alex Forsman of the Minnesota State Patrol was dispatched to a report of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 100 in Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Upon arrival, Trooper Forsman observed a GMC Acadia, bearing Minnesota license plate [PLATE REDACTED], driving head-on toward his squad car in the left lane. Trooper Forsman activated his emergency lights and siren. The Trooper was concerned for his life, and concerned that due to morning traffic beginning to pick up, this vehicle was threatening the safety and lives of all cars on the highway.
As the Trooper drove toward the GMC, it began to slow. The GMC then began to attempt to drive around the Trooper's squad on the shoulder. At this time, the Trooper felt he had no other option but to make intentional contact with the GMC. At a slow, controlled speed, the Trooper drove into the GMC until the vehicle came to a rest. Trooper Forsman approached the driver, later identified as PLACIDO SALVADOR CAMPUZANO [DOB REDACTED], and detained him in handcuffs. A review of records with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services could not locate a valid driver’s license for the defendant.
The defendant was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Trooper Forsman immediately detected an overwhelming odor of a consumed alcoholic beverage emanating from the defendant. The defendant’s eyes were observed to be bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slurred and deliberate at times. There was a language barrier, as the defendant spoke only Spanish. Trooper Forsman administered standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) to the defendant. The defendant attempted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, but was unable to complete it due to the language barrier.
The defendant also attempted the Walk and Turn test, during which he exhibited indicators of impairment, including swaying, not touching heel to toe, using arms to balance, and difficulty following instructions. During the One Leg Stand test, the defendant swayed, put his foot down, and used his arms to balance. The Modified Romberg Balance Test was also attempted, with the defendant showing difficulty maintaining balance. These observations indicated impairment and an inability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
At the roadside, the defendant provided a preliminary breath test (PBT) sample, which resulted in a reading of 0.171 alcohol concentration at approximately 5:30 A.M. The defendant admitted to consuming ten beers and two shots, specifically Modelo beer, and stated that he did not realize he was driving the wrong way on the highway. The defendant admitted to being under the influence of alcohol. Due to the defendant’s life-threatening driving conduct, including operating a motor vehicle in the wrong direction on a divided highway and requiring intentional intervention to prevent a head-on collision, the strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, SFST performance, and the PBT result, Trooper Forsman determined that the defendant did not possess the clearness of intellect or control necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely.
