Felony fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance – over 0.25 grams
On Nov. 11 at 9:28 p.m., the sheriff’s office performed a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 1 and 130th Avenue Northwest. Brian Allen Torkelson, 31, Thief River Falls, has been charged with felony fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance – over 0.25 grams. Amanda Lea Drury, 30, Thief River Falls, has charges pending for drug possession. They were arrested. Earlier that day, a Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force officer allegedly learned that Torkelson and Drury were driving to Fargo, N.D., to pick up M30 pills, which are “commonly known to contain fentanyl and are street drugs that mimic oxycodone.” According to the complaint, at the time, Torkelson was wearing an ankle monitor. Upon speaking with the PTPDTF officer, Torkelson’s probation agent began monitoring his movements and learned that he was in a parking lot in Dilworth. She wanted law enforcement to assist in stopping and searching Torkelson’s vehicle once it arrived back in Thief River Falls. Near the above intersection, they stopped the vehicle that Drury was driving and in which Torkelson was a passenger. When Torkelson exited the vehicle, they saw a crystal-like substance on his seat and a plunger for a hypodermic needle on the floor. Then they searched the vehicle. They found a wallet containing 23 M-30 pills as well as Drury’s identification and cards. They tested one pill, which allegedly tested positive for fentanyl. Law enforcement also found a gray bag featuring a passcode lock. Passcode locks are often used to store and hide narcotics. Inside the bag, they allegedly found numerous baggies – one baggie containing 0.5 grams of methamphetamine, another baggie containing nine grams of meth, and clean baggies for repackaging meth. In addition, the bag contained 14.3 grams of marijuana, a scale, fentanyl test trips, $100 in cash, drug paraphernalia, a brown leather pouch containing a key chain with Drury’s first name, and paperwork for Drug Court with her name on it. Torkelson allegedly possessed about 3.4 grams of meth on his person. He admitted it was meth and that he knew it was contained in his pocket.
Public nuisance
On Nov. 2 at 6:59 p.m. and 9:37 p.m., police received loud noise complaints from separate individuals regarding 123 Challenger Dr. Scotty Kent Ellwein, 61, Thief River Falls, which has been cited for two offenses of public nuisance.
Driving after cancellation – inimical to public safety
On Nov. 6 at 3:19 a.m., police performed a traffic stop near the intersection of Seventh Street and Dewey Avenue. Neil Alden Carlson, 50, Thief River Falls, has charges pending for driving after cancellation – inimical to public safety.
Accident
On Nov. 9 at 11:35 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a report of an accident near the intersection of 400th Avenue Southeast and 140th Street Southeast. At the time of the accident, Antony E. Rivera Cook of Burnsville was driving a 2018 Isuzu. According to the report, he lost control of the vehicle on the slushy roads. His vehicle then entered a ditch and tipped onto its side. No injuries were reported.
Accident and following too closely
On Nov. 9 at 5:26 p.m., police received a report of an accident in the 1000 block of Hwy. 32 S. At the time of the accident, Andrew Jon Wollin of Red Lake Falls was driving a 2015 Chevy Cruze. According to the report, his car then rear-ended a 2001 Ford driven by Daniel Carpenter of Thief River Falls. Carpenter had stopped for a deer. No injuries were reported. Wollin has been cited for following too closely.
Domestic assault
On Nov. 10 at 4:54 p.m., police received a report of a domestic assault in the parking lot of Wheatland Estates. Jaycob Anthony Torres, 19, Hackensack, has been cited for domestic assault. He was arrested. According to the citation, Torres allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face while they were in a parked car. The woman suffered a bloody nose and cuts to her lower and upper lips.
Accident
On Nov. 11 at 6:21 p.m., police received a report of an accident. At the time, Landin A. Robinette of Newfolden was driving a southbound 2009 Pontiac. According to the report, he lost control of his vehicle. His vehicle then slid on the ice and struck a 2009 Pontiac owned by Taylor Spilde of Thief River Falls. Spilde’s vehicle was parked in the 200 block of Ruby Ave. at the time. No injuries were reported.
Driving while impaired and open bottle
On Nov. 12 at 2:08 p.m., police performed a traffic stop in the 17100 block of Hwy. 59 N.E. Jason Michael Nelson, 50, Thief River Falls, has been charged with DWI and open bottle. He was arrested.
DWI
On Nov. 13 at 1:31 a.m., police performed a traffic stop near the intersection of 188th Street and Highway 32. Brian David Jones, 57, Middle River, has been cited for DWI. He was arrested.
Theft
On Nov. 13 at 8:37 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a report of a theft at 15858 Pembina Trail. Someone had stolen a two-place aluminum trailer and a 54-inch Swisher pull-behind brush mower.