Crookston Man Charged in Drug-Related DWI

CROOKSTON (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man faces two impaired-driving charges after a traffic stop on June 23.

Edward Allen Brown, 52, is charged in Polk County District Court.

The charges include third-degree driving while impaired by a controlled substance. That charge is a gross misdemeanor.

Brown also faces a misdemeanor count of driving with a Schedule I or II substance in his body.

The claims are allegations. Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Traffic Stop Began With Window Tint

According to the complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper saw a blue Cadillac at a Crookston gas station.

The trooper reported that the rear windows appeared unusually dark.

The vehicle later traveled south on North Ash Street. The trooper stopped it at about 10:56 p.m.

A test allegedly showed 13% light transmission through one rear window.

The complaint also says the windshield had cracks that could block the driver’s view.

During the stop, the trooper reported that Brown had bloodshot and watery eyes.

The trooper also described Brown’s speech as rapid. His hands and fingers allegedly appeared restless.

Edward Allen Brown

The complaint says Brown completed several roadside sobriety tests.

His pulse was recorded at 110 beats per minute.

Brown allegedly struggled with balance during two tests. He also misjudged a 30-second time test.

A preliminary breath test showed no alcohol in his system, according to the complaint.

The trooper reported other possible signs of drug use. Those signs included sweating, swaying and repeated hand movements.

Brown was arrested at about 11:32 p.m.

A search of the vehicle allegedly found several cannabis products.

Brown was taken to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

The complaint says he admitted using methamphetamine about one week earlier. He also reported using cannabis that morning.

A judge approved a warrant for a urine sample.

An on-site screening allegedly indicated THC, methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA.

Laboratory results were not listed in the complaint.

Prosecutors cited a prior qualifying impaired-driving case from 2019 as an aggravating factor.

The gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

The misdemeanor charge carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.

Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired-driving laws through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.