Authorities Deploy Non-Lethal Force During DWI Arrest That Shut Down Hwy. 52 in Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Traffic on Hwy. 52 in Rochester was diverted Wednesday morning as law enforcement arrested an uncooperative motorist. 

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That’s according to Olmsted County Sheriff’s Captain Tim Parkin who also said the motorist was suspected of driving impaired. 

Authorities deployed less than lethal force to get the suspect into custody. 

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Authorities Deploy Less-Than-Lethal Force to Arrest Uncooperative Motorist Suspected of Being Impaired on Hwy. 52 in Rochester

Parkin says a deputy tried to stop a motorist traveling south on Hwy. 52 for moving violations and suspected impairment near the 41st St. interchange in Rochester. 

The driver continued heading south on the freeway despite the deputy activating their emergency lights and siren, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Rochester police and the State Patrol then responded to the situation and followed the motorist for more than four miles until he eventually stopped near Apache Mall at the 16th St. Southwest interchange, according to Parkin. 

The driver refused commands to exit the vehicle and southbound Hwy. 52 traffic was diverted as a safety precaution, Parkin said.

Law enforcement then fired multiple pepper ball rounds into the vehicle and took the suspect into custody. 

Parkin identified the motorist as 31-year-old Jose Cardona of Rochester. A Mayo Clinic Ambulance crew responded to the scene to evaluate Cardona, who Parkin says was showing signs of impairment. 

He was cleared and brought to the Olmsted County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Cardona could face multiple charges including fourth-degree DWI, third-degree test refusal and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, Parkin said.