Polk County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – On May 28, 2025, at approximately 6:13 PM, Blake Benjamin Abbey, 44, of East Grand Forks, MN, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop. Abbey was operating a black 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with Minnesota license plate SBT477 when he was stopped by Deputy Taylor Znajda (Badge #385).
Abbey faces three misdemeanor charges:
Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired (DWI)
Statute: 169A.27.1
This charge applies to first-time DWI offenses without aggravating factors.
Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Statute: 169A.20.1(2)
This statute makes it a crime to drive while under the influence of a controlled substance.
Operating a Motor Vehicle with Any Amount of Schedule I/II Drugs or Metabolites (excluding cannabis/hemp)
Statute: 169A.20.1(7)
This charge applies when a person’s body contains any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, or its metabolite, excluding cannabis or hemp.
According to the citation, no blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was available at the time of reporting. The case is being prosecuted by the East Grand Forks City Attorney.
Did you know? With case facts:
Date of Offense: May 28, 2025
Time: 6:13 PM
Location: East Grand Forks, MN
Defendant: Blake Benjamin Abbey, DOB 04/17/1981
Vehicle: 2012 Black Chevrolet Silverado 1500, MN License Plate SBT477
Charges: Fourth-Degree DWI, Operating Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Operating with Any Amount of Schedule I/II Drugs
Statutes: 169A.27.1, 169A.20.1(2), 169A.20.1(7)
Issuing Officer: Deputy Taylor Znajda, Badge #385
Prosecuting Agency: East Grand Forks City Attorney
In Minnesota, a fourth-degree DWI is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Additionally, a conviction may result in a driver’s license revocation for up to 90 days.
For more updates on this case and other local news, visit TRF News.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.