Jonathan James Rice is charged with felony DWI and third-degree controlled substance possession.<\/p>\n
The charges stem from an incident reported around 2:36 a.m. on August 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded after a white SUV reportedly struck a tree.<\/p>\n
Driver Found Asleep in Running SUV<\/h2>\n
Deputies found the SUV off the roadway near Walker, according to court records.<\/p>\n
The vehicle was running, its lights were on, and the transmission remained in drive.<\/p>\n
Rice was allegedly asleep in the driver’s seat when deputies arrived.<\/p>\n
Officers eventually woke him and reported that he did not appear injured.<\/p>\n
The complaint says Rice moved slowly and appeared unsteady after leaving the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Investigators also reported that his pupils appeared small and reacted slowly to light.<\/p>\n
Rice denied using any substances, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Several field sobriety tests were then conducted.<\/p>\n Investigators reported multiple signs of possible impairment during those tests.<\/p>\n A preliminary breath test produced a reported alcohol concentration of .022.<\/p>\n Authorities believed Rice was impaired by a controlled substance, the complaint states.<\/p>\n Rice was arrested for suspected DWI.<\/p>\n A search of the SUV allegedly uncovered a plastic bag containing large white crystals.<\/p>\n The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Investigators reported that the substance weighed about 24.74 grams.<\/p>\n Prescription-type pills were also found inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n The complaint says those pills appeared to include oxycodone and hydrocodone.<\/p>\n A separate foil ball contained a white powder suspected to be fentanyl.<\/p>\n That substance had not been confirmed by testing when the complaint was filed.<\/p>\n The felony DWI charge carries up to seven years in prison.<\/p>\n It also carries a possible fine of up to $14,000.<\/p>\n Prosecutors cite a previous felony DWI conviction from 2022.<\/p>\n The third-degree drug charge carries up to 20 years in prison.<\/p>\n It also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.<\/p>\n Readers can review Minnesota’s DWI law<\/a>.<\/p>\n The state’s third-degree controlled substance law<\/a> is also available online.<\/p>\n Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed under Cass County court file number 11-CR-26-1187.<\/p>\n The charges and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Rice is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Jonathan](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Rice-Jonathan-James.png\")
Methamphetamine Found During Search<\/h2>\n
Two Felony Charges Filed<\/h2>\n