Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Walker man is facing felony drug and DWI charges after authorities say he was stopped for traffic violations in Bemidji and found in possession of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2025, at about 9:21 p.m., police patrolling near 1st Street East and Paul Bunyan Drive South in Bemidji observed a vehicle with a nonfunctioning third brake light and a loud exhaust. Officers initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 55-year-old Richard Alan Staples.
Police reported that Staples showed multiple signs of drug impairment, including tremors, glassy eyes, sweating, and eyelid fluttering. During questioning, Staples allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine the previous night. Field sobriety tests were administered, which authorities say indicated impairment.
Staples was placed under arrest, and a search of the vehicle turned up micro baggies containing a crystalline substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight was approximately 3.2 grams, including packaging. A warrant-authorized urine sample was also obtained for further testing.
Court records show Staples has an extensive criminal history, including multiple prior drug and DWI convictions, most recently a 2022 conviction for second-degree possession and misdemeanor DWI.
Staples is charged with fifth-degree felony drug possession and gross misdemeanor DWI. The drug charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.