Reportedly Passed Out Driver Arrested in Rochester
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Buffalo City, Wisconsin man is facing a potential felony drug charge and DWI after police say he was found with methamphetamine and numerous pills in Rochester Friday afternoon.
Rochester Police Capt. Casey Moilanen says a motorist called officers to the 1800 block of Assisi Dr. Northwest around 4:10 p.m. after a driver, identified as 26-year-old Dakota Au, slowly pulled out of a gas station parking lot, causing the woman’s vehicle to nearly hit his vehicle. The woman told officers Au's head was tilted back on the driver's side head rest and his hands were not on wheel.
Witnesses told police Au's vehicle crossed the curb, came up on a sidewalk and temporarily rested on a grassy area before rolling back onto the street. Moilanen said bystanders in the were able to wake Au after several attempts. Au reportedly could not open his window or door. Bystanders were able to finally access the vehicle and put it in park.
Responding officers searched his vehicle and reportedly found 9.5 grams of meth and 31 M30 pills that Moilanen said are often laced with fentanyl. Officers believe Au was under the influence of drugs and obtained a search warrant to sample his blood. The sample was sent to the BCA. Moilanen said Au is expected to face a charge for fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree DWI.