Naytahwaush Man Charged With Drug-Related DWI

MAHNOMEN COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 25-year-old Naytahwaush man faces a gross misdemeanor drug-related DWI charge following a suspicious vehicle investigation.

Thomas Allen King Jr. is accused of driving with methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system.

According to a criminal complaint, police encountered King in a driveway on 290th Avenue on July 1, 2026.

Investigators later received blood test results confirming the presence of both controlled substances.

Homeowner Reports Suspicious Vehicle

The investigation began around 11:18 p.m. when officers received a report of suspicious activity in Mahnomen County.

A homeowner reported that an unfamiliar vehicle had entered her driveway and parked.

According to court documents, an officer had observed the same vehicle driving several minutes earlier.

The officer believed the driver had pulled into the driveway to avoid police contact.

Officers approached the vehicle and questioned the driver about why he was parked there.

The driver reportedly claimed he had experienced a flat tire along Highway 200.

He said the tire had been repaired and that he was waiting for his uncle.

Driver Initially Provides Different Name

During the encounter, the driver reportedly identified himself as Tom Keezer.

According to the complaint, officers suspected the name was false.

A records check identified the driver as Thomas Allen King Jr.

The complaint contains conflicting birth dates for King, but the court’s defendant heading lists June 28, 2001.

King reportedly admitted he did not know the homeowner.

He claimed his uncle had instructed him to meet at the location.

Police Observe Possible Signs of Drug Impairment

During questioning, officers noticed King appeared nervous and made uncontrolled movements.

According to the complaint, he was sweating heavily and had slurred speech.

An officer also noticed King had recently lit a cigarette.

Police asked whether King had used any drugs.

King reportedly admitted using marijuana several days earlier.

When asked about methamphetamine, he also reportedly admitted using it several days before the encounter.

Officers requested field sobriety tests to investigate possible drug impairment.

Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest

According to the complaint, King displayed several possible impairment indicators during testing.

During an eye movement test, officers reported no nystagmus clues but observed swaying.

During the one-leg stand test, King reportedly needed reminders about the instructions.

He also placed his foot down before completing the test.

During the walk-and-turn test, officers reported that King used his arms for balance and turned incorrectly.

An additional timing test revealed fidgeting and a visibly elevated pulse.

Following the investigation, officers arrested King on suspicion of impaired driving.

Police Find Drug Paraphernalia Inside Vehicle

After the arrest, investigators searched King’s vehicle.

According to court documents, officers discovered several items commonly associated with drug use.

Those items included hypodermic needles, burned aluminum foil, and small straws.

Police also reported finding an open alcoholic beverage container.

King was transported to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Blood Test Detects Methamphetamine

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

King provided a blood sample that was submitted for laboratory testing.

According to an August 10, 2026, report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the sample contained methamphetamine and amphetamine.

The supplied complaint does not provide the concentrations of either substance.

Unlike alcohol-related DWI cases, the cited Minnesota law addresses the presence of certain prohibited drugs or their metabolites.

The complaint also identifies a previous DWI conviction as an aggravating factor.

Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged King with operating a motor vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in his system.

The allegation falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(7).

The complaint references Minnesota Statute 169A.26 for the gross misdemeanor penalty.

Prosecutors cite a previous DWI conviction under Mahnomen County case number 44-CR-21-606.

A conviction on the new charge could carry up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not a sentence imposed by the court.

Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired driving statute.

Additional information about the penalty provision is available under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

Mahnomen County Court Proceedings

The criminal case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 44-CR-26-481.

The prosecutor’s file number is 0440029888.

The supplied complaint does not identify a final court outcome or sentencing information.

Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge remains an allegation. King is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.