At approximately 5:41 a.m. on May 6, 2026, Officers Hedstrom and Hoard of the Big Lake Police Department were dispatched to Paragon Store Furniture on 176th Street NW in Big Lake. The dispatch followed a report of an employee who appeared intoxicated and had recently driven a motor vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to witnesses who identified the employee as Ross John Nylin. The witnesses reported that Nylin arrived at work smelling of alcohol, speaking in circles, and making little sense. According to the complaint, Nylin left work to visit a nearby convenience store. Security camera footage allegedly showed him returning at around 5:30 a.m. Witnesses also noted prior concerns regarding Nylin being impaired at work.

When questioned by officers, Nylin allegedly denied being impaired, claiming he had consumed four vodka and diet sodas the night before but stopped drinking around 9:00 p.m. Officer Hedstrom administered a preliminary breath test, which reportedly yielded a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.134. Nylin also underwent a standardized field sobriety test, showing distinct and sustained nystagmus, indicating the presence of alcohol.

Following his arrest, Nylin was transported to the Big Lake Police Department. After consulting with an attorney, he provided a DataMaster DMT breath sample at 6:41 a.m., which showed a BAC of 0.11. According to the complaint, Nylin subsequently changed his story, admitting to drinking margaritas throughout the previous night and stating his last drink was at 10:00 p.m.

?An order of detention pending further proceedings was signed by Judge Heather D Pipenhagen.