Walker Man Faces Felony DWI, Meth Charges

Walker (trfnews.i234.me) — A Walker man faces two felony charges after an early morning crash investigation in Cass County.

Jonathan James Rice is charged with felony DWI and third-degree controlled substance possession.

The charges stem from an incident reported around 2:36 a.m. on August 12, 2026.

According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded after a white SUV reportedly struck a tree.

Driver Found Asleep in Running SUV

Deputies found the SUV off the roadway near Walker, according to court records.

The vehicle was running, its lights were on, and the transmission remained in drive.

Rice was allegedly asleep in the driver’s seat when deputies arrived.

Officers eventually woke him and reported that he did not appear injured.

The complaint says Rice moved slowly and appeared unsteady after leaving the vehicle.

Investigators also reported that his pupils appeared small and reacted slowly to light.

Rice denied using any substances, according to the complaint.

Several field sobriety tests were then conducted.

Investigators reported multiple signs of possible impairment during those tests.

A preliminary breath test produced a reported alcohol concentration of .022.

Authorities believed Rice was impaired by a controlled substance, the complaint states.

Rice was arrested for suspected DWI.

A search of the SUV allegedly uncovered a plastic bag containing large white crystals.

The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Investigators reported that the substance weighed about 24.74 grams.

Prescription-type pills were also found inside the vehicle.

The complaint says those pills appeared to include oxycodone and hydrocodone.

A separate foil ball contained a white powder suspected to be fentanyl.

That substance had not been confirmed by testing when the complaint was filed.

The felony DWI charge carries up to seven years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $14,000.

Prosecutors cite a previous felony DWI conviction from 2022.

The third-degree drug charge carries up to 20 years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.

The state’s third-degree controlled substance law is also available online.

Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Cass County court file number 11-CR-26-1187.

The charges and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Rice is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.