Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Crookston man with a warrant for prior drug charges was arrested on July 5, 2025, after he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine within a school zone, driving under the influence, and storing drug paraphernalia in the presence of a child.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Polk County District Court, Christopher Noel Garry, 55, faces three charges:
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Count I: Controlled Substance Crime in the 3rd Degree – Possession in a Prohibited Zone (Felony)
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Count II: Methamphetamine-Related Crime Involving a Child (Felony)
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Count III: 4th Degree DWI – Any Amount of Schedule I/II Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor)
The arrest unfolded around 6:25 p.m. when Crookston Police Officer Robert Haugen observed a white Chevy pickup passing Crookston High School. Garry, the driver, was flagged for an active warrant from Marshall County related to a prior meth possession charge.
After stopping the pickup on University Avenue, Garry claimed he was unaware of the warrant and said he had just picked up his granddaughter. A passenger in the vehicle, Patricia Ann Belgarde, confirmed they were heading to dinner and their granddaughter, born in 2012, was riding in the backseat.
A consent search of the vehicle revealed disturbing findings:
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A meth pipe, two straws with residue, and 0.8 grams of meth crystals in a case next to the child
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Multiple baggies commonly used for controlled substances in the center console
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Belgarde’s purse contained a pipe with meth residue, a straw, and a burnt marijuana pipe
Belgarde admitted to using meth the previous day, and said Garry likely used it that morning. Garry later confirmed in a recorded statement that he smoked meth around 8:00 a.m. that same day, and that he and Belgarde were sharing meth inside the pickup.
Both Garry and Belgarde were arrested and transported to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center (NWRCC). Urine samples from both tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and THC.
Due to the pickup’s proximity to Crookston High School, Garry’s meth possession charge qualifies as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The child endangerment charge carries a maximum 5-year sentence, while the DWI could result in up to 90 days in jail.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.