Estelline DUI Arrest: Minnesota Man Faces Identity Theft, Marijuana Charges After Hamlin County Traffic Stop
Northeast Radio SD News – Estelline, SD - A routine traffic stop in Estelline late Friday night led to multiple charges for a Minnesota man after deputies say he provided false identification and was found with alcohol and marijuana inside his vehicle.
According to the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred August 28 at 9:20 p.m. when a deputy on patrol noticed a vehicle traveling with a headlight out. The vehicle was stopped near the intersection of State Avenue East (SD Highway 28) and 1st Street North.
During the stop, the deputy conducted Field Sobriety Tests and administered a Preliminary Breath Test. Investigators say the driver initially gave a false last name and presented a fraudulent Social Security card. He was later identified as Alvaro Martinez, a 30‑year‑old man from Albert Lea, Minnesota.
The driver was arrested and transported to the Codington County Detention Center. He faces the following charges:
· Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
· Identity Theft
· Impersonation to Deceive Law Enforcement
· Open Alcohol Container in a Motor Vehicle
· Illegal Possession of Marijuana (Two ounces or less)
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Court records list the defendant citations filed on August 29, 2026, including a violation for headlamps required. Documents filed Monday include a probable cause affidavit and email correspondence regarding bond, which was later reduced to PR bond.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that all charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
