Lakeville Man Charged With Felony DWI Test Refusal; Three Young Juveniles Allegedly in Vehicle
Dakota County Jail Booking Photo
LAKEVILLE: — A 27-year-old man whose driving privileges were allegedly canceled as inimical to public safety is facing a felony DWI-related charge after a traffic stop in Lakeville where police say three young juveniles were also inside his vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
Jonathan Alexander Rodriguez has been charged with first-degree driving while impaired — test refusal, a felony — and driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety, a gross misdemeanor.
According to the complaint, a Lakeville police officer conducted a traffic stop at approximately 7:13 p.m. on September 7 after a license check showed the vehicle's registered owner had a revoked driving status.
Police identified the driver as Rodriguez and subsequently located a record showing his driving privileges had been canceled as inimical to public safety, the complaint states. Three young juveniles were reportedly inside the vehicle with him at the time of the stop.
The officer alleged Rodriguez smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes. Rodriguez denied consuming alcohol, according to the complaint.
Rodriguez performed field sobriety tests and allegedly displayed some signs of impairment. The complaint states he refused to submit to a preliminary breath test.
Rodriguez was then transported to the Lakeville Police Department, where authorities read him the breath-test advisory. According to the complaint, Rodriguez was given an opportunity to contact an attorney but was unable to reach his attorney. He declined to contact another attorney and subsequently declined to take a breath test.
The first-degree DWI charge is elevated based on a prior felony DWI conviction from May 22, 2024, according to the complaint.
Rodriguez faces up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $14,000 on the felony charge. The gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum potential sentence of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
The allegations contained in a criminal complaint are accusations and have not been proven in court. Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.