Lake Park Crash Leads to Meth and DWI Charges

LAKE PARK, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 42-year-old Deer River man faces felony drug and misdemeanor DWI charges following a crash in Lake Park.

Earl William Kennicutt Jr., of rural Deer River, was charged in Becker County District Court.

He faces one felony count of fifth-degree drug possession and two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree driving while impaired.

Early Morning Crash at Lake Park Cenex

According to court records, the investigation began shortly after 6:30 a.m. on July 2.

A Minnesota state trooper and a Lake Park police officer responded to a vehicle collision at the Cenex station.

Investigators identified Kennicutt as the driver of the vehicle allegedly responsible for the crash.

Authorities reported that Kennicutt appeared confused and struggled to locate his vehicle insurance information.

He was also visibly shaking and appeared to have difficulty staying focused, according to court documents.

During questioning, Kennicutt allegedly admitted that he had rear-ended a pickup truck.

Following the investigation, authorities arrested Kennicutt on suspicion of driving while impaired.

Officers subsequently searched his truck and reportedly discovered a closed glass container holding a white crystalline substance.

According to court records, a preliminary field test indicated that the substance contained methamphetamine.

The suspected drugs weighed approximately 3.9 grams.

Investigators also obtained a urine sample from Kennicutt for chemical testing.

Authorities reported that the sample later tested positive for both amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Those findings were included in the court records supporting the criminal charges.

Prosecutors filed a felony fifth-degree controlled substance charge against Kennicutt.

He was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree DWI related to the July 2 incident.

The allegations remain pending before Becker County District Court.

A criminal charge is an accusation and does not establish guilt.

On November 5, Kennicutt was released without having to post bail.

The court placed him under standard conditions of release while his criminal case continues.

His next scheduled court appearance is December 21 before District Judge Michelle Lawson.

The case remains pending, and no conviction was reported in the provided court information.

Additional information about Minnesota court proceedings is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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