Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A shocking scene unfolded at the McDonald’s drive-thru in Bemidji when police arrested a man reportedly high on fentanyl and unresponsive behind the wheel.
According to court documents, on May 29, 2024, Officer Timothy Korinta responded to a call at the Bemidji North McDonald’s about a tan Dodge Caravan causing a disturbance in the drive-thru. The vehicle, which had a Red Lake plate, was stationary despite the drive-thru line moving forward.
Officer Korinta found William Joseph Johnson Sr, 33, behind the wheel, displaying erratic movements, glassy eyes, and with a melted pen tube in his lap—commonly used for drug consumption. Field sobriety tests revealed constricted pupils and poor balance, and Johnson refused further drug evaluation.
A search of the vehicle revealed a bindle of white powdery substance, confirmed to be fentanyl. A blood test also confirmed the presence of fentanyl in Johnson’s system.
Johnson now faces Gross Misdemeanor 5th Degree Drug Possession and 4th Degree DWI charges.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.