On November 28, 2025, Officer Hulshizer of the Rochester Police Department was on patrol in the 1000 block of 4th St. SE, in the City of Rochester, County of Olmsted. At approximately 4:52 P.M., Officer Hulshizer observed an individual, who he recognized as Tita Costin ([DOB REDACTED]), at gas station located at 1025 4th St. SE. Officer Hulshizer was aware that Tita had a driving status of Canceled -- Inimical to Public Safety and observed Tita get into the driver's seat of a dark-colored Subaru SUV. Officer Hulshizer, along with training Officer Marla Mendoza, followed Tita out of the parking lot and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Despite lights and sirens, Tita continued to accelerate away from law enforcement and at one point, blew through a stop sign at 11 Ave SE and 6th St SE. Officers last observed Tita in the area of 9th St SE and 9th Ave SE. Rochester Police Officers Hoklin and Brandaeu were then dispatched to 109 19th Ave N, which was Tita's registered address. Officers Hoklin and Brandeau arrived at approximately 5:00 P.M. And observed a vehicle matching the description provided. Officer Bandau noticed the vehicle had a smell consistent with overheated brake pads and felt the hood of the vehicle which was still warm.
Shortly after arriving, officers observed Tita and two children exit the home. Officer Mendoza and Hulshizer arrived shortly after and placed Tita under arrest. Officer Hulshizer spoke with E. B., an adult female, inside the residence. E. B. Informed officers that Tita drove to the residence in the Subaru with the two children in the vehicle. Both children are boys under the age of 10 (Victim 1 and Victim 2). Tita was subsequently arrested and searched. During the search, Officers recovered a THC vape pen and a substance consistent with cocaine (a Controlled Schedule I/II substance) in a folded up $1 bill in Tita's wallet.
During the search and interaction with law enforcement, Tita's eyes were bloodshot and watery and he was exhibiting face and body tremors. Based on these observations, Tita was transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center (ADC) where the following field sobriety tests were conducted: - Modified Romberg, whereby Tita estimated the passage of 30 seconds in 28 seconds; - Eye Examination, whereby Tita's pupils were compared to a known pupilometer sample. - Oral/Nasal Examination, whereby Tita's nasal area was examined with a black and white light.
Officers observed white powder residue on Tita's left nostril and while film on his tongue. - Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which revealed no indicators of impairment; - Walk and Turn test, whereby Tita made an improper turn and was unable to maintain the instruction's stance; - One Leg Stand, which revealed no clues of impairment apart from body tremors; - Preliminary Breath Test, which revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.0. Based on these observations, a search warrant was prepared and approved by the Honorable Judge Allen for Tita's blood or urine.
