Solway Stop Leads to Felony DWI, Meth Charges

SOLWAY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Park Rapids man faces two felony charges following a traffic stop in Beltrami County.

According to court documents, deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during the October 5, 2026, investigation.

John Herman Klasen IV, 49, faces first-degree DWI and fifth-degree controlled substance possession charges.

The complaint also reveals that Klasen had a previous felony DWI conviction and an outstanding arrest warrant.

Deputies Spot Vehicle Near Solway

The investigation began around 12:43 p.m. near Highway 2 and Sundown Road NW in Solway.

Beltrami County deputies observed a black Ford Fusion turning eastbound onto Highway 2.

According to the complaint, the vehicle remained in the left lane without passing another vehicle or signaling a lane change.

A deputy recognized the driver as Klasen and knew about an outstanding felony Department of Corrections warrant.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop after observing suspicious movements toward the vehicle’s center console and passenger area.

While searching Klasen, deputies reportedly discovered a pipe containing white powdery residue in his jacket pocket.

Investigators believed the residue was consistent with methamphetamine.

According to the complaint, Klasen acknowledged knowing what was inside the pipe but denied owning it.

He reportedly claimed the jacket belonged to his cousin.

Deputies also observed glossy eyes and drooping, twitching eyelids, raising concerns about possible drug impairment.

Klasen initially claimed he had not used methamphetamine in seven years.

He later reportedly stated that his last use occurred approximately one month earlier.

Klasen refused to participate in standardized field sobriety testing.

Deputies returned to the Ford Fusion and noticed white crystalline material on the driver’s side floor.

According to the complaint, the material tested positive for methamphetamine during preliminary testing.

A Minnesota State Patrol K9 also alerted during an examination of the vehicle.

Investigators subsequently discovered two straws containing a white powdery substance.

Klasen was transported to the Beltrami County Jail.

Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. Klasen elected to provide urine.

The complaint states that the sample and suspected methamphetamine would be submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The complaint does not provide final laboratory results.

Court documents identify several previous convictions involving controlled substances and impaired driving.

Most notably, Klasen was convicted of first-degree felony DWI in Beltrami County on October 25, 2022.

The complaint also lists DWI convictions from 2018 and 2019.

His previous felony DWI conviction is cited as the basis for the new first-degree DWI charge.

Klasen faces the following charges:

First-Degree DWI: Felony involving an alleged Schedule I or II controlled substance. Maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Fifth-Degree Controlled Substance Possession: Felony involving alleged methamphetamine possession. Maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-2474.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Klasen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.