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WORTHINGTON — A Worthington resident was arrested and charged with first-degree DWI, driving after cancellation, obstruction of the legal process, and giving an officer a false name.
The charges against Edgar Ademar Garcia-Escalante, 37, originated after a Worthington Police officer observed a vehicle traveling with an item hanging from the rearview mirror, according to the criminal complaint.
After the vehicle pulled up in front of a residence, the officer approached the driver and passenger on foot and observed the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from them. The driver of the vehicle reportedly identified himself under a false name, and the officer noted the individual’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. The officer located the vehicle's keys inside the center console and reportedly observed multiple open alcohol containers inside.
The driver stated he was not drinking, just hungover, and the officer conducted field sobriety testing. The resulting preliminary breath test showed an alcohol concentration of .12%.
The driver was arrested but refused to comply with directions, according to the complaint. Once officers handcuffed Hernandez, he was transported to the Nobles County Jail. During the booking process, the driver’s fingerprints came back as belonging to Garcia-Escalante.
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A review of Garcia-Escalante’s record shows his driver’s license as canceled, and that he has three prior DWI convictions within the last 10 years in Nobles County.
If convicted, Garcia-Escalante faces a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment and/or a $14,000 fine for the felony DWI charge. The gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
Garcia-Escalante is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on June 6.
