Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) — Prosecutors have filed criminal charges in Polk County District Court after a traffic stop in East Grand Forks, according to court records.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
The complaint names Marty David Burns, born March 1, 1964, of Grafton, North Dakota, as the defendant.
Burns is charged with one felony count of third-degree controlled substance crime. The filing says the alleged possession happened in a prohibited zone near a school.
He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree driving while impaired for having a Schedule I or II drug in his body.
What Court Records Say Happened
Court records say an officer on patrol saw a Nissan Titan with North Dakota plates parked in an alley in East Grand Forks on Dec. 4, 2025.
The complaint says the truck later drove away. Records say the driver did not signal for a turn.
Police also reported a front license plate that was hanging at an angle.
The filing says the truck continued and drove within about 300 feet of Sacred Heart School, which is listed as a school zone in the complaint.
The vehicle then stopped in the 300 block of 3rd Avenue NW, according to the court filing.
Signs of Impairment Cited
Burns was the driver and the only person in the vehicle, records say.
The complaint describes slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Police also reported Burns took longer than normal to stop.
Based on observations and field tests, Burns was arrested for impaired driving, according to the filing.
Search and Test Results
Court records say officers searched the truck and found items with white residue.
The complaint says field testing was positive for methamphetamine.
Records also say cash was found in a wallet linked to Burns.
The filing says a rewards card with visible residue also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Burns later provided a urine sample, the complaint says.
That test was positive for methamphetamine, according to court records.
Prior Conviction Noted
The complaint also references a prior felony drug conviction in Minnesota from 2020, in Mahnomen County court records.
For more background, readers can review Minnesota drug laws at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes and court information through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.