Crookston, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Crookston man faces several felony drug charges after police reported finding more than 25 grams of methamphetamine during a late-night incident on November 9, 2025. The charges were filed in Polk County District Court.
The complaint names Christopher Douglas Morlan, age 47, as the defendant. Police say they first noticed a running SUV around 2:30 a.m. on North Main Street. An officer saw the vehicle parked with its lights on, which raised concern due to the time of night.
Police watched the SUV for nearly an hour. Around 3:15 a.m., they saw someone open the back hatch, place something inside, then get into the passenger seat. The SUV then drove south on Main Street. Officers followed as the vehicle sped through several intersections before turning into the Woods Addition neighborhood.
While entering the area, an officer saw the SUV driving without headlights. The SUV then crashed into a retaining wall on South Ash Street. As the squad car arrived, the male driver got out and ran. The officer ordered him to stop. The man stopped running but moved his hands around his pockets. Police say he threw something into the air before officers used a taser and detained him.
The man identified himself as Morlan. Officers found cash, a knife, and later located a glass pipe with white residue where he had thrown an object. Police say the pipe matched items used to smoke meth.
A search of the SUV found a pouch with a needle and a bag holding a white crystal substance. Police field-tested the substance and say it tested positive for meth. The weight was 25.5 grams with packaging, according to the complaint.
At the jail, the police took a recorded statement. The complaint says Morlan admitted to using meth the day before and said the pouch found in the SUV belonged to him.
Police also located a rolled one-dollar bill with suspected meth inside his wallet. That substance also tested positive, according to the report.
Morlan now faces three charges:
- Second-Degree Controlled Substance Crime – Possession (Felony)
- Third-Degree Controlled Substance Crime – Possession in a Prohibited Zone (Felony)
- Third-Degree DWI – Any Amount of Schedule I or II Drug (Gross Misdemeanor)
The prohibited-zone charge alleges he possessed meth within 300 feet of Courtyard Park, Wildflower Park, and Wildwood Park. For reference on Minnesota drug laws, visit the Revisor of Statutes at this link.
Morlan is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
