Nay Tah Waush Stop Leads to Fentanyl, DWI Charges

NAY TAH WAUSH (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mahnomen County woman faces drug possession and DWI charges following a traffic stop in Nay Tah Waush.

Ericka Faye Keezer, 19, was arrested after an officer reported signs of possible drug impairment during a March 3, 2026, stop.

According to court documents, later laboratory testing detected fentanyl and other controlled substances.

Traffic Stop Begins With License Plate Light Violation

At approximately 7:22 p.m., an officer noticed a black Dodge Durango traveling along Church Street West.

The SUV reportedly had a broken rear license plate light, making its plate difficult to read.

The officer activated emergency lights, and the vehicle pulled over.

Keezer was identified as the driver.

According to the complaint, four passengers occupied a rear seat designed for three people. Another passenger was seated in front.

While speaking with Keezer, the officer noticed her hands and arms were shaking.

The officer also reported difficulty seeing her pupils, despite the vehicle’s warm interior.

Field Sobriety Tests Raise Concerns

The officer asked Keezer to complete several field sobriety tests.

During the walk-and-turn test, she reportedly took the wrong number of steps and made an improper turn.

She also stepped off the line several times.

During the one-leg stand test, Keezer reportedly swayed, lowered her foot repeatedly, and used her arms for balance.

Another test required Keezer to estimate 30 seconds. She reportedly took 43 seconds.

The officer also noted that her pupils did not respond normally to light.

When questioned about drug use, Keezer reportedly admitted trying fentanyl for the first time two days earlier.

Authorities then placed her under arrest.

Search Reveals Suspected Drugs and Paraphernalia

Officers searched the Dodge Durango following the arrest.

According to court documents, they discovered several pieces of foil containing burned residue.

Investigators also reported finding a straw used for drug consumption, hypodermic needles, and other paraphernalia.

A small clear bag containing white powder was reportedly discovered on the center console.

State Laboratory Confirms Fentanyl and Other Drugs

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.

Keezer provided a urine sample that was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

A laboratory report dated April 29, 2026, identified amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and norfentanyl.

Norfentanyl is a substance produced when the body processes fentanyl.

The suspected powder was also submitted for testing.

An August 6 laboratory report confirmed that the substance contained fentanyl.

The powder weighed less than 0.023 grams, according to the complaint.

Two Criminal Charges Filed in Mahnomen County

Keezer faces gross misdemeanor fifth-degree drug possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

That charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

She also faces misdemeanor DWI involving controlled substances under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

The DWI count carries up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court under number 44-CR-26-460.

Additional information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations. Keezer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.