LAKE PARK, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Deer River man faces three criminal charges following a vehicle crash at a Cenex station in Lake Park.
Authorities say investigators discovered methamphetamine in his truck and later confirmed drugs in his system.
Earl William Kennicutt Jr., 42, is charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession and two misdemeanor DWI offenses.
Crash Reported at Lake Park Cenex
According to the criminal complaint, emergency responders were dispatched to the Cenex station around 6:32 a.m. on July 2, 2026.
Investigators identified Kennicutt as the driver who allegedly caused the collision.
Kennicutt reportedly admitted that he had rear-ended another pickup truck.
During the investigation, an officer noticed that Kennicutt appeared confused and had difficulty locating his insurance information.
According to court documents, Kennicutt was visibly shaking and appeared to have trouble concentrating.
Driver Declines Additional Sobriety Tests
A state trooper asked Kennicutt to exit his vehicle for field sobriety testing.
During the investigation, Kennicutt mentioned taking Viagra the previous night.
The complaint states that an initial eye movement test showed no indicators of impairment.
However, Kennicutt declined additional field sobriety tests.
He reportedly explained that his legs and back were hurting from the crash.
Based on the investigation, the trooper arrested Kennicutt on suspicion of impaired driving.
Police Discover Suspected Methamphetamine
Following the arrest, an officer conducted an inventory search of Kennicutt’s truck.
During that search, authorities reportedly discovered a closed glass container holding a white crystalline substance.
A preliminary field test indicated the substance contained methamphetamine.
The substance initially weighed approximately 4.9 grams, according to court documents.
Investigators submitted the suspected drugs to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for further testing.
State Laboratory Confirms Methamphetamine
Laboratory testing confirmed the seized substance was methamphetamine, with a reported weight of approximately 3.9 grams.
Investigators also submitted a urine sample collected from Kennicutt for testing.
The laboratory reported finding both methamphetamine and amphetamine in his urine.
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota law.
The complaint cites these findings as evidence supporting the drug possession and impaired driving charges.
Three Criminal Charges Filed in Becker County
Kennicutt faces one felony count of fifth-degree controlled substance possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025.
That charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
He also faces two fourth-degree DWI charges under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
One count alleges driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
The other alleges driving with a prohibited Schedule I or II controlled substance in his body.
Each misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Becker County District Court under number 03-CR-26-1924.
All charges remain allegations. Kennicutt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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