Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man faces three criminal charges in Polk County District Court.
Christopher George Rick was charged after a March 24, 2026, traffic stop near Crookston. The complaint includes two felony counts and one gross misdemeanor. The charges are based on allegations in a court filing. Rick has not been convicted in this case.
Charges Filed
According to the complaint, Rick is charged with first-degree driving while impaired involving a Schedule I or II substance. He is also charged with driving after cancellation. A third charge alleges methamphetamine-related paraphernalia was stored in a motel room offered for overnight stays.
The filing says Rick drove a Chevrolet Silverado after leaving the Golf Terrace Motel in Crookston. Investigators said the pickup later crossed the fog line and drove onto the shoulder several times on Highway 75.
What the Complaint Alleges
The complaint says Rick admitted he did not have a valid driver’s license. Investigators also reported signs they believed were linked to drug use during the stop.
According to the filing, a search of the pickup found two straws with residue, a torn baggie corner, and a key tag marked “20.” Rick was then arrested and taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The complaint says Rick later told investigators he had been staying at the motel. He also allegedly said he had smoked methamphetamine the day before. The filing says he admitted using a bong in the room and said the items found there belonged to him.
Investigators then searched the motel unit listed in the complaint. They reported finding a bong, a meth pipe, empty baggies, and a scale with residue. The complaint says a field test on residue from the scale was positive for methamphetamine.
Evidence and Prior Record
The filing also says a witness found a pipe near the area of the stop. Investigators reported that the pipe contained a white crystal substance. The complaint says a field test was positive for methamphetamine.
A urine sample collected after the arrest also tested positive on-site for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and THC, according to the complaint.
The case filing also lists prior impaired driving convictions from 2024 and 2025. Prosecutors gave notice that they may seek an aggravated sentence if Rick is convicted.
Readers can review Minnesota law at Minn. Stat. 169A.20, Minn. Stat. 171.24, and Minn. Stat. 152.137. Court information is also available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Charges are allegations only. Guilt must be proven in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.