UPDATED: Impaired Driver Arrested After Erratic Driving on Highway 62 Incident
Updated: March 29, 2024 at 3:30 PM
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA—Around 5 PM this evening, the Minnesota State Patrol received several phone calls about a blue Econoline van all over the road. The vehicle was found via MnDOT cameras driving southbound on Highway 62 over the Mississippi River, where it was seen almost hitting the wall several times.
Minnesota State Patrol was dispatched, and a State Trooper caught up to the vehicle as it was coming around the curve on Highway 62 just before Lexington Avenue in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The Trooper initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. According to the State Patrol, they noticed signs of impairment as the Trooper spoke with the van driver. The male driver was arrested for Driving While Under the Influence and was booked into the Dakota County Jail.
The van was impounded, and the two passengers were allowed to leave the scene. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Update(s)
According to court records, Joel Hernandez was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. The criminal complaint states that in addition to the complaints the State Patrol received from other callers about Hernandez's driving, the Minnesota State Trooper observed the vehicle driving eastbound on Highway 62 and swerving while in the right lane. After confirming the license plate, the Trooper initiated a traffic stop on the van. When the Trooper spoke with Hernandez, he reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from him as he spoke and exhaled.
A Mendota Heights Police Officer assists the Trooper while performing sobriety tests, which Hernandez could not complete due to poor balance and inability to follow directions. Hernandez was informed about the Preliminary Breath Test. While the Trooper was preparing to give the breath test, Hernandez told the Trooper he only had one margarita earlier, it was reported. According to the criminal complaint, the preliminary breath test results showed his BAC was 0.213, over 2.6 times the legal limit. Hernandez was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to the Mendota Heights Police Department, where he was given a second breath test with a BAC of 0.22 or 2.75 times the legal limit.
Court documents show that Joel Hernandez faces three charges due to this incident. Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree DWI 0.08 or Greater [both with 1 Aggravating Factor], and Misdemeanor Improper Lane Usage. His bond was set at $12,000 with conditions. As of writing this, his bond has not been paid. His next court date is April 17, 2024, at 1:30 PM in West St Paul. The Mendota Heights City Attorney is prosecuting this case. This remains an active case, and Hernandez is innocent until proven guilty.
Dakota County Jail