On 2/27/26 at approximately 12:07 A.M., in North Branch, Chisago County, law enforcement observed a motor vehicle with an inoperable top brake light on their motor vehicle. The light did not illuminate while brakes were being applied at a stop light. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle initially appeared as if it was going to stop and pulled over slightly to shoulder. Instead, the vehicle continued driving on the shoulder. Law enforcement had emergency lights on during this time.
Eventually law enforcement turned on their siren also. The vehicle continued at a slow rate of speed but would not stop. The vehicle continued on and made a turn. There were no other vehicles around during this time. The vehicle eventually stopped and the total distance was between one-quarter to one-half mile that it had continued to travel. Law enforcement had the driver exit the vehicle, which he did. The driver was later identified as MATTHEW ALAN NORMAN, [DOB REDACTED], the Defendant herein.
The driver was detained. Upon running the Defendant's [DL# REDACTED] it was learned he was required to have interlock ignition as a restriction. There was no interlock ignition in the vehicle. He was placed under arrest. An inventory search of the vehicle revealed a rifle magazine with ammunition,.223 rounds, inside. The Defendant admit he had previously been convicted of a felony. The Defendant has a Felony Domestic Assault-Strangulation conviction in ••-CR-••-•••• from 4/06/16. He was brought to the Chisago County Jail and booked.
Law enforcement then located a white-crystal substance in the back seat of the squad car where the Defendant had been sitting. Law enforcement reviewed video footage from the squad car that showed the Defendant pull a baggy out from his waist area, which he then opened and dumped on the floor. This substance was collected and field tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the recovered substance was 22.2 grams.
