Ryan Jon Spindler, 42, is charged in Roseau County District Court.<\/p>\n
All four charges are gross misdemeanors.<\/p>\n
The case stems from an incident during the early morning hours of September 20, 2026.<\/p>\n
Rifle Shot Reported Near Greenbush<\/h2>\n
According to the criminal complaint, authorities received a report of a rifle shot around 2:35 a.m.<\/p>\n
The shot was reportedly heard near 140th Avenue and 250th Street northwest of Greenbush.<\/p>\n
A pickup truck was then seen in the area.<\/p>\n
Investigators later spoke with the truck’s owner.<\/p>\n
He allegedly said he and Spindler had been driving around shooting at skunks.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges Spindler then shot a buck deer.<\/p>\n
Authorities were told the deer was illuminated by the vehicle’s headlights when it was shot.<\/p>\n
Complaint Says Spindler Admitted Shooting Deer<\/h2>\n
Authorities went to Spindler’s Greenbush residence shortly before 3:40 a.m.<\/p>\n
The complaint says Spindler showed signs of significant alcohol impairment.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported slurred speech, poor balance, and an odor of alcohol.<\/p>\n
Spindler allegedly admitted shooting the deer and offered to show authorities where it was located.<\/p>\n
He initially claimed a .22-caliber rifle was used.<\/p>\n
The complaint says he later admitted using another man’s AR-15-style rifle.<\/p>\n
Spindler allegedly said he intended to retrieve and eat the deer.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Reportedly Reached .20<\/h2>\n
Spindler allegedly told authorities he had consumed several alcoholic drinks that evening.<\/p>\n
He also reportedly acknowledged that hunting while intoxicated was illegal.<\/p>\n
The complaint says Spindler failed three field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
A preliminary breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of .198.<\/p>\n
He was arrested and transported to the Roseau County Detention Center.<\/p>\n
A later breath test recorded an alcohol concentration of .20, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Four Hunting Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Spindler is charged with hunting with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.<\/p>\n
He also faces a charge of hunting with an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.<\/p>\n
A third charge alleges he illegally took or possessed a protected deer outside the legal season.<\/p>\n
The fourth charge alleges use of artificial light to locate or take a wild animal while possessing a firearm.<\/p>\n
Each count carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
Information about Minnesota hunting laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes<\/a> and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charges are allegations. Spindler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I\u2019m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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