Beltrami Stop Leads To Drug DWI Charge

Beltrami Stop Leads To Drug DWI Charge

Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fertile man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge in Polk County District Court.

Ryan Oliver Aune, 34, is charged with third-degree driving while impaired. The charge involves an alleged controlled substance in his body.

The complaint says the case began during a traffic stop east of Beltrami. A Minnesota State Patrol trooper reported seeing a white 2001 Ford F-150 traveling east on County Road 1.

According to the complaint, radar showed the pickup traveling 74 mph. The posted speed limit was 55 mph.

Traffic Stop Near Beltrami

The trooper stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Ryan Oliver Aune. The complaint says Aune did not have his driver’s license with him.

Authorities later reported that Aune’s driving privileges were revoked. A female passenger was also inside the vehicle.

The complaint says the passenger had a felony warrant from Norman County. Court records also state an active order for protection barred Aune from contacting her.

Drug Testing Allegations

Authorities said Aune admitted to using methamphetamine within the past two days. He was arrested and taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

At the sheriff’s office, the complaint says Aune admitted to recent methamphetamine use. Officers also reported bloodshot eyes and sores on his face.

Aune agreed to provide a urine sample, according to the complaint. Initial testing was presumptive positive for THC, MDMA, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.

The sample was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for confirmation. The BCA test later showed amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine and amphetamine are listed under the Minnesota controlled substance law. More information is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Gross Misdemeanor Charge

The complaint lists the charge under Minnesota Statute 169A.20. It also cites the third-degree DWI statute.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.

Prosecutors allege an aggravating factor was present. The complaint cites Aune’s prior DWI conviction from July 9, 2019.

Court records also list several pending cases and prior convictions. Those include drug, driving, burglary, and domestic-related cases.

A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Aune is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.