Downer Stop Leads to Felony Gun Charge

DOWNER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Nevada man faces four charges after a July traffic stop in Clay County.

Dantae Odel Durham, 22, is charged with carrying a pistol without a permit. The charge is a felony.

He also faces misdemeanor counts of careless driving and driving without a valid license. A speeding count is a petty misdemeanor.

Vehicle Clocked at 84 MPH

The case began around 9 a.m. on July 25, 2026. A state trooper was patrolling 90th Avenue South.

The complaint says a purple BMW approached at a high rate of speed. Radar showed the vehicle traveling 84 mph.

The posted speed limit was 55 mph. The trooper turned around and followed the BMW.

The driver did not immediately slow down. He later stopped in Downer, according to the complaint.

The vehicle displayed a temporary Georgia permit. Durham was the only person inside the car.

Durham presented a Nevada instruction permit. He reportedly said he was traveling toward Bemidji.

The complaint says Durham was trying to catch up with his former partner. He had left Las Vegas one day earlier.

Authorities asked Durham to leave the vehicle. He reportedly said a gun was inside the BMW.

Durham also said he did not have a permit to carry the firearm. A police dog later alerted near the vehicle.

Authorities searched the BMW after the alert. They reported finding an uncased Glock 19 inside the center console.

The complaint says the handgun had a loaded magazine. No other person was inside the vehicle.

Prosecutors allege Durham has a prior firearm-related conviction from Nevada. That record increased the current gun allegation to a felony.

The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years. It also carries a possible $10,000 fine.

The careless driving and license charges each carry up to 90 days in jail. Each also carries a possible $1,000 fine.

The speeding allegation carries a possible fine of up to $300.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District. The court file number is 14-CR-26-2632.

Case information may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

All charges are allegations. Durham is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.