East Grand Forks: Rollover Leads to Felony Charge

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Dane Michael Swehla faces felony property-damage and reckless-driving charges in Polk County District Court.

The charges stem from an incident at Central Middle School.

Swehla, 21, is charged in court file 60-CR-26-1181.

The state filed the case by summons.

Truck Found Rolled Over on Football Field

The complaint says police responded to the school’s football field after a truck rolled onto its side.

Investigators found a gray 2024 GMC Sierra on the field.

Deep tire ruts were also visible in the grass, according to the complaint.

The vehicle’s occupants were gone when police first arrived.

Swehla later approached officers in the school parking lot.

The complaint says he identified the truck as his vehicle.

He also allegedly admitted driving onto the football field.

No police officer names are included in this report.

Video Allegedly Shows High-Speed Driving

Investigators later reviewed surveillance video from the school.

The complaint says the footage showed the truck traveling quickly across the football field.

The vehicle allegedly tore through the grass while moving across the property.

It then rolled onto its side within several seconds, prosecutors allege.

Officials estimated the field damage at $1,135.

Central Middle School is part of East Grand Forks Public Schools.

Felony Property-Damage Charge

Count One charges Swehla with first-degree criminal damage to property.

The charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.595, subdivision 1(4).

That provision applies when repair or replacement costs exceed $1,000.

The felony carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

Those are maximum penalties and are not a sentence against Swehla.

Reckless Driving Charge Also Filed

Count Two charges Swehla with misdemeanor reckless driving.

The count cites Minnesota Statute 169.13.

The law covers driving that consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail.

A fine of up to $1,000 is also possible.

Charges Remain Allegations

The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Swehla is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Public case information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.