Otter Tail County Stop Brings Meth, DWI Charges

Otter Tail County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hutchinson man faces four charges after a July traffic stop.

Grant Kelly Burnison, 40, is charged with felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession.

He also faces two gross misdemeanor DWI charges and a petty misdemeanor speeding charge.

The case stems from a July 24, 2026, stop on Minnesota Highway 78.

Deputy Reports Vehicle Traveling 74 MPH

An Otter Tail County deputy was patrolling Highway 78 around 10 p.m.

The deputy saw a vehicle appearing to exceed the posted 60 mph speed limit.

Radar allegedly measured the vehicle traveling 74 mph, according to the criminal complaint.

The deputy turned around and activated emergency lights.

The vehicle slowed but did not immediately stop, prosecutors say.

The driver eventually pulled over and was identified as Burnison.

The deputy reported smelling marijuana while speaking with Burnison.

Burnison allegedly said marijuana was stored in two locations inside the vehicle.

The complaint says Burnison exited the vehicle before officers conducted a search.

While outside, Burnison allegedly began swaying and then fell to the ground.

The deputy reported that Burnison appeared temporarily unconscious.

Emergency medical workers were called to examine him.

Investigators described Burnison as confused, sweating heavily, and repeatedly nodding off.

Medical workers also reported unusually constricted pupils, according to the complaint.

Burnison was medically cleared at the scene.

During the vehicle search, investigators allegedly found a container holding a crystalline substance.

A field test reportedly returned a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

Burnison then acknowledged using methamphetamine earlier that day, prosecutors allege.

He was arrested following the search.

A search warrant was later obtained for a blood sample.

The sample was collected shortly after midnight for analysis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The complaint does not include the final laboratory result.

The felony drug charge carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Each third-degree DWI charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

The complaint cites a prior DWI-related license loss from 2022 as an aggravating factor.

The speeding charge carries a possible fine of up to $300.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 152.025 for fifth-degree drug offenses.

DWI laws are available under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

Additional court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Burnison is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.