Trooper assaulted during traffic stop in southern Minnesota

BLUE EARTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Minnesota State Patrol trooper is recovering after an assault during a traffic stop in southern Minnesota, according to officials.

The trooper, identified Friday as 22-year veteran Doug Rauenhorst, made a traffic stop Thursday afternoon on Interstate 90 west of Highway 254. People inside the vehicle assaulted the trooper and drove off. Authorities attempted to follow the vehicle, but then called off the pursuit.

Officials later found the vehicle abandoned in Albert Lea. Two suspects are now in custody. Friday, the suspects were identified as Anthony Hector Enriquez, 28 and Montrell Antonio Smith, 29, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The two men were booked into Faribault County Jail Thursday night on probable cause felony assault and possession of a controlled substance. They are expected to be arraigned in Faribault County District Court Monday. 

According to the Albert Lea Police Department, multiple bundles of marijuana were located throughout the pursuit route. 

Emergency crews took the Rauenhorst to United Hospital in Blue Earth. He was treated for injuries and released Friday morning. 

The case is still under investigation.