Robert Marines Rodriguez, 63, remained in custody at the Ramsey County Jail on Monday after authorities alleged he was drunk when his Jeep collided with a motorcycle operated by Dana Lucker-Milan, killing her as she was rushed to the hospital.
Background
The fatal crash occurred near Highway 61 and Highway 96 in White Bear Lake around 8:30 p.m. on June 10, according to the White Bear Lake Police Department. Law enforcement from multiple agencies responded, including police officers, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies, and Minnesota State Patrol troopers.
Court documents obtained by ABC affiliate KSTP revealed that Rodriguez was attempting to make a turn at an intersection when his Jeep struck Lucker-Milan's motorcycle. Rodriguez told investigators he had a blinking yellow arrow and did not see the approaching motorcyclist before impact.
Lucker-Milan, 31, was transported to Regions Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her family said her heart stopped in the ambulance and medical personnel were unable to revive her.
The Investigation
According to Minnesota State Patrol troopers, Rodriguez displayed multiple signs of impairment when they approached him at the crash scene. He smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and was slurring his speech. Rodriguez performed poorly during field sobriety testing and blew a 0.27 on a Breathalyzer—more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 in Minnesota.
Court documents stated that Rodriguez allegedly admitted to consuming a bloody mary and a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky before getting behind the wheel. He was arrested on suspicion of DWI and criminal vehicular operation.
A background check revealed that Rodriguez has a prior DWI conviction from 2021, according to KSTP reporting. He has since been charged with vehicular homicide in connection with Lucker-Milan's death. His next court date was not publicly available as of Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Dana Lucker-Milan, 31, died June 10 after Rodriguez allegedly crashed his Jeep into her motorcycle near Highway 61 and Highway 96 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Police say Rodriguez blew a 0.27 on a Breathalyzer—more than three times the legal limit
- Rodriguez allegedly admitted to drinking a bloody mary and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky before driving
- He has a prior DWI conviction from 2021 and now faces vehicular homicide charges
What's Next
Rodriguez remains held at Ramsey County Jail without bond. His next court appearance had not been scheduled publicly as of Monday. Lucker-Milan's funeral is set for June 21, with a celebration of her life and memorial motorcycle ride already held on Sunday.