White Bear Lake Man Charged in Fatal DWI Crash That Killed Motorcyclist in Ramsey County
Published: June 12th, 2026
WHITE BEAR LAKE MN: A White Bear Lake man is facing a felony criminal vehicular homicide charge after authorities say he was intoxicated when he turned in front of a motorcycle, causing a crash that killed the rider.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, 63-year-old Robert Marines Rodriguez is charged with one count of Criminal Vehicular Homicide — Operating a Vehicle in a Negligent Manner While Under the Influence of Alcohol.
The charge stems from a fatal crash reported at approximately 8:31 p.m. on June 10 at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 96 in White Bear Lake.
According to the complaint, Minnesota State Patrol troopers responded to a report of a collision involving a Jeep and a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, identified in court records as DML-M, 31, suffered traumatic injuries and later died at a hospital.
Investigators allege Rodriguez was driving a Jeep and attempting to turn left from Highway 61 onto Highway 96 when the collision occurred. Rodriguez reportedly told troopers he had a yellow turn arrow and did not see the motorcycle before turning in front of it.
Witnesses told investigators the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Highway 61 and had a green light as it entered the intersection. The complaint alleges Rodriguez turned in front of the motorcycle, causing it to strike the side of the Jeep.
Troopers reported observing signs of impairment after speaking with Rodriguez, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, and poor balance. Authorities also allege he performed poorly on a field sobriety test.
According to the complaint, Rodriguez registered a preliminary breath test result of 0.27 blood alcohol concentration, more than three times Minnesota's legal limit of 0.08. He allegedly admitted to consuming a Bloody Mary and a shot of Fireball before the crash.
Rodriguez was arrested at the scene, and investigators obtained a blood sample for further testing. Those results were still pending at the time the complaint was filed.
Court records further indicate Rodriguez has a prior DWI conviction from 2021.
The criminal charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. The allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.