Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Detroit Lakes woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop in Becker County earlier this month.
According to court records, Tasheena Rae Neeland, 36, has been charged in Becker County District Court with felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession and two counts of misdemeanor DWI.
The charges stem from an incident on the evening of August 6th. A Becker County deputy was traveling on County Highway 21 in White Earth when he observed a vehicle pull onto the shoulder of the road.
The deputy turned around about a half-mile away and saw the vehicle driving again. After following for a short distance, the car once again pulled over and came to a stop.
When the deputy approached, the driver said she was fine and explained that her daughter had been driving but got nervous when a squad car was behind her.
Deputies noted that Neeland showed signs of impairment and conducted field sobriety tests, which she failed. She also handed over two small blue containers, one of which contained a micro baggy with a crystalline substance. Field tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, weighing about a gram, including packaging.
Neeland was arrested and later released on August 7th without bail, under standard release conditions. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 7th before District Judge Gretchen Thilmony.
The case highlights the ongoing drug and impaired driving issues faced by rural communities across Minnesota. Law enforcement continues to stress the dangers of driving under the influence and the risks associated with methamphetamine use.
For more information on Minnesota’s drug and DWI laws, visit the Minnesota Legislature statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
