St. Paul Man Accused of Grabbing Deputy’s Taser During Washington County DWI Arrest
Published: May 6th 2026
WASHINGTON COUNTY MN: A St. Paul man is facing a felony charge after a criminal complaint alleges he grabbed a Washington County sheriff deputy’s Taser while being arrested for DWI following a traffic stop on Highway 36.
Thomas Elwood Heinze, 53, has been charged in Washington County with attempted disarming of a peace officer, second-degree DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and obstructing legal process.
According to the criminal complaint, a Washington County sheriff’s deputy was conducting stationary radar enforcement on eastbound Highway 36 between Demontreville Trail and Keats Avenue at approximately 10:12 p.m. on May 1, 2026, when a vehicle allegedly passed traveling 79 mph.
After stopping the vehicle, the deputy identified the driver as Heinze. The complaint states the deputy observed Heinze had slurred speech, watery and glossy eyes, and an odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from him. Heinze allegedly told the deputy he had consumed three beers.
The complaint states Heinze showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand tests. A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.139.
According to the criminal complaint, the deputy informed Heinze he was under arrest and began searching him incident to arrest when Heinze allegedly became argumentative, spun around, and attempted to pull away. The complaint alleges Heinze pushed toward the deputy and attempted to wrap his legs around the deputy’s legs.
While waiting for additional officers to arrive, Heinze allegedly told the deputy that it would take “everyone” to get him to stop and that he should have fought with the deputy because the deputy would be “in the ditch” with handcuffs around his neck, according to the complaint.
Officers from the Oak Park Heights Police Department arrived to assist during the arrest. The complaint alleges Heinze continued resisting and grabbed the handle of the deputy’s Taser with both hands while officers attempted to restrain him. The complaint states the deputy struck Heinze multiple times in the thigh with a closed fist before Heinze released the Taser.
The complaint states Heinze was later transported to the Washington County Adult Detention Center, where he was read the Minnesota breath test advisory. Heinze allegedly attempted to contact his wife for an attorney’s phone number but she did not answer. According to the complaint, Heinze later declined assistance searching for an attorney and stated he “refused” testing while remaining silent when asked if he would take a breath test.
According to the complaint, Heinze has three prior DWI convictions, including convictions in 2019 and 2023.
The felony attempted disarming of a peace officer charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.