East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Polk County man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after a traffic stop in East Grand Forks, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court.
Michael Scott Stone, 64, of East Grand Forks, was charged with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety. The charge stems from a stop on March 29, 2026. Court records say the case was filed in the Minnesota District Court in Polk County.
What the Complaint Says
According to the complaint, an officer on patrol saw a vehicle traveling on 5th Avenue Northeast. A license plate check showed the registered owner was Michael Scott Stone. The complaint says his driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety.
The officer turned around and caught up with the vehicle near Highway 2 and Highway 220. The vehicle then stopped at the Circle K on Central Avenue Northeast.
Court records say Stone was in the driver’s seat. Jonathan Michael Stone was in the passenger seat. The complaint says Michael Scott Stone told the officer he knew he did not have a valid license. He also said he was working on getting it reinstated.
Field Tests and Arrest
The complaint says the officer noticed possible signs of impairment. It also says the vehicle had an ignition interlock device. The officer then asked Stone to step out of the vehicle for field sobriety tests.
According to the complaint, the officer did not find signs of impairment during those tests. Still, the complaint says Stone was arrested because he was driving after his license had been canceled.
He was then taken to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center. A citation was issued. A review of his driving record showed his license had been canceled on November 14, 2025, according to the complaint.
Charge and Possible Penalty
Stone is charged under Minnesota Statute 171.24. The complaint lists the offense as a gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty listed is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Criminal charges are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
