Search warrant provides new details in former DFL chair’s hit-and-run case

"I believe the driver was impaired by her usage of opioids during the time of the crash," a state trooper said in a search warrant application, noting that Martin admitted to taking prescription hydrocodone hours before the crash.

hit-and-run
Cynthia Martin/Itasca County Sheriff's Office

Cynthia “Cyndy” Martin, the former chair of the 8th District DFL charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed 19-year-old Carter Haithcock last summer, was believed by officers to have been under the influence at the time of the crash.

That’s according to newly uncovered court documents which reveal that police suspected Martin was impaired when she struck Haithcock on Highway 169 in Itasca County on July 3, 2024.

The latest revelations come from a search warrant issued the day after the crash, which authorized law enforcement to collect a blood sample from Martin. Officers who visited Martin’s home the morning after the collision suspected impairment based on her behavior and statements, the warrant application says.

According to the warrant application, Martin admitted to taking prescription hydrocodone hours before the crash. A drug recognition evaluation revealed telltale signs of impairment, including irregular eye movements and elevated blood pressure, it says.

The warrant further details her failure to stop after the crash, despite the extensive damage to her vehicle, and her delayed 911 call hours later.

“Driver is perscribed hydrocodine (sic) to take 1 pill every four hours as needs. Driver admitted to taking one half pill around 1700 [5 p.m.] hours and then another one half pill around 1900 [7 p.m.] hours. Driver performed poorly on SFSTs [standardized field sobriety tests] while at her home,” the warrant application states. “The fact that she did not stop even due to the amount of damage to her vehicle, and because she did not call 911 until many hours later,” further raised red flags for law enforcement.

“I believe the driver was impaired by her usage of opioids during the time of the crash,” a Minnesota state trooper said in the sworn application, which notes that Martin “provided a [preliminary breath test] of 0.00.”

However, the criminal complaint states, “Defendant also submitted to a search warrant for a sample of her blood. This sample was tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), with negative results for all tested substances.”

Alpha News reached out to Assistant Itasca County Attorney Michael Hagley’s office to ask if hydrocodone was one of the drugs specifically tested by the BCA. Hagley’s office told Alpha News that it would not be issuing a response at this time.

Hydrocodone “belongs to the group of medicines called opioid analgesics” and can make users “dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded,” according to the Mayo Clinic, which advises users not to drive “or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.”

Defense moves to disqualify judge

Meanwhile, Martin’s defense team is pushing to disqualify Judge Heidi Chandler from presiding over a probable cause hearing in the case.

They argue that Judge Chandler’s earlier decision to issue a search warrant for Martin’s vehicle’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) suggests she has already made a determination about probable cause, compromising her impartiality.

“Judge Chandler issued a search warrant during the investigative phase of this case. In doing so, she has already made a determination that probable cause exists. As such, it would be improper for her to preside over a defense probable cause challenge,” prosecutors said in a court document while summarizing the defense’s position.

However, prosecutors strongly oppose this idea. They argue that issuing a warrant does not disqualify a judge from presiding over subsequent proceedings.

Prosecutors assert, “Granting Defendant’s requested relief would have the practical effect of disqualifying a significant portion of the bench of the 9th Judicial District from presiding over this matter.”

They warn that removing Judge Chandler could disrupt the court process.

Background of the case

Martin faces charges of criminal vehicular homicide while leaving the scene of a collision.

According to the criminal complaint, Haithcock was walking along Highway 169 when Martin’s 2005 GMC Yukon struck him.

Rather than stopping to render aid, Martin allegedly fled the scene. Tragically, Haithcock was struck by a second vehicle after Martin allegedly drove off.

The following morning, Martin told investigators she believed she had hit a turkey or an owl. Surveillance footage captured an SUV resembling Martin’s briefly stopping near the crash site before taking off, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators later identified damage on Martin’s vehicle consistent with the collision, along with fabric linked to the victim, the complaint says.

Carter Haithcock/Facebook
Next hearing set for late February

Martin was conditionally released on her own recognizance without bail.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26 via Zoom.

Alpha News reached out to Martin’s defense attorney for comment but did not receive a response.

 

Jenna Gloeb

Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.