{"id":72688,"date":"2026-11-10T10:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T16:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=72688"},"modified":"2026-11-09T18:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T00:07:25","slug":"solway-stop-leads-to-felony-dwi-meth-charges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/solway-stop-leads-to-felony-dwi-meth-charges\/","title":{"rendered":"Solway Stop Leads to Felony DWI, Meth Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"

SOLWAY, Minn.<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2013 A Park Rapids man faces two felony charges following a traffic stop in Beltrami County.<\/p>\n

According to court documents, deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during the October 5, 2026, investigation.<\/p>\n

John Herman Klasen IV, 49, faces first-degree DWI and fifth-degree controlled substance possession charges.<\/p>\n

The complaint also reveals that Klasen had a previous felony DWI conviction and an outstanding arrest warrant.<\/p>\n

Deputies Spot Vehicle Near Solway<\/h2>\n

The investigation began around 12:43 p.m. near Highway 2 and Sundown Road NW in Solway.<\/p>\n

Beltrami County deputies observed a black Ford Fusion turning eastbound onto Highway 2.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, the vehicle remained in the left lane without passing another vehicle or signaling a lane change.<\/p>\n

A deputy recognized the driver as Klasen and knew about an outstanding felony Department of Corrections warrant.<\/p>\n

Deputies initiated a traffic stop after observing suspicious movements toward the vehicle’s center console and passenger area.<\/p>\n

Suspected Methamphetamine Found During Search<\/h2>\n

While searching Klasen, deputies reportedly discovered a pipe containing white powdery residue in his jacket pocket.<\/p>\n

Investigators believed the residue was consistent with methamphetamine.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Klasen acknowledged knowing what was inside the pipe but denied owning it.<\/p>\n

He reportedly claimed the jacket belonged to his cousin.<\/p>\n

Deputies also observed glossy eyes and drooping, twitching eyelids, raising concerns about possible drug impairment.<\/p>\n

Klasen initially claimed he had not used methamphetamine in seven years.<\/p>\n

He later reportedly stated that his last use occurred approximately one month earlier.<\/p>\n

Klasen refused to participate in standardized field sobriety testing.<\/p>\n

Additional Suspected Drugs Discovered<\/h2>\n

Deputies returned to the Ford Fusion and noticed white crystalline material on the driver’s side floor.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, the material tested positive for methamphetamine during preliminary testing.<\/p>\n

A Minnesota State Patrol K9 also alerted during an examination of the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Investigators subsequently discovered two straws containing a white powdery substance.<\/p>\n

Klasen was transported to the Beltrami County Jail.<\/p>\n

Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. Klasen elected to provide urine.<\/p>\n

The complaint states that the sample and suspected methamphetamine would be submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.<\/p>\n

The complaint does not provide final laboratory results.<\/p>\n

Previous Felony DWI Conviction<\/h2>\n

Court documents identify several previous convictions involving controlled substances and impaired driving.<\/p>\n

Most notably, Klasen was convicted of first-degree felony DWI in Beltrami County on October 25, 2022.<\/p>\n

The complaint also lists DWI convictions from 2018 and 2019.<\/p>\n

His previous felony DWI conviction is cited as the basis for the new first-degree DWI charge.<\/p>\n

Two Felony Charges Filed<\/h2>\n

Klasen faces the following charges:<\/p>\n