East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop in East Grand Forks.
Mark A. Walter is charged in Polk County District Court.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 60-CR-26-495.
The charges stem from an April 15, 2026, traffic stop near Stauss Park.
Traffic Stop Near Stauss Park
According to the complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was on stationary patrol.
The trooper was watching traffic on 5th Avenue Northeast in East Grand Forks.
A Nissan Altima was allegedly traveling 43 mph in a posted 30 mph zone.
A traffic stop was then initiated, according to court records.
The Altima stopped on 7th Street Northeast near 5th Avenue Northeast.
The complaint says the stop was within 300 feet and one city block of Stauss Park.
Mark A. Walter
Complaint Alleges Drug Impairment
Walter was identified by a North Dakota ID card.
He allegedly said he did not have a valid driver’s license.
He also allegedly said the Altima did not have insurance.
Authorities reported bloodshot and watery eyes.
The complaint also noted uncontrolled facial tremors around Walter’s eyes.
Walter first said he last used drugs six or seven months earlier.
He later allegedly said he smoked methamphetamine that morning.
Authorities then arrested Walter for DWI.
Meth And Pipe Reported In Vehicle
A search of the Altima found a micro bag in the center console.
The complaint says the bag contained a white, rock-like substance.
Authorities said the substance was consistent with methamphetamine.
A glass smoking device with burnt residue was also found nearby.
After receiving a Miranda warning, Walter allegedly said the methamphetamine was his.
He also allegedly said the pipe belonged to him.
The complaint says Walter denied selling methamphetamine.
A search warrant was later obtained for a blood or urine sample.
Walter agreed to provide a blood sample, according to court records.
Authorities reported that both the pipe and the substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
The suspected methamphetamine weighed about 0.5 grams without packaging.
Charges Filed In Polk County
Walter is charged with third-degree controlled substance crime in a prohibited zone.
That count is listed under Minnesota Statute 152.023.
He is also charged with two DWI counts under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.27.
A fourth count alleges operating without vehicle insurance.
That charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169.797.
The felony drug charge carries up to 20 years in prison.
It also carries a possible $250,000 fine, or both.
The misdemeanor counts each carry up to 90 days in jail.
Each also carries a possible $1,000 fine, or both.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
Walter is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.