Deputy Skinner noted that the vehicle then signaled to make a left turn and crossed over the fog line and began driving on the shoulder before pulling into the Travel Center in Haven Township, Sherburne County, MN. Deputy Skinner then stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver and sole occupant, identified as MICHAEL LEE WARNER, [DOB REDACTED] [hereinafter defendant]. Deputy Skinner immediately noted that he smelled a strong odor of marijuana admitting from the vehicle. Deputy Skinner requested license and proof of insurance, which were valid.
Deputy Skinner asked the defendant when the last time he smoked in the vehicle was and the defendant admitted to smoking in the vehicle a few hours prior. Deputy Skinner asked the defendant if there was marijuana inside the vehicle and the defendant admitted that there were two joints inside the vehicle. When Deputy Skinner asked to see the joints the defendant opened the center console and pulled out a small tin container with two joints containing a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana.
Deputy Skinner noted that the marijuana was not in its original packaging and within arms reach of the driver. Deputy Skinner then requested the defendant step out of the vehicle to ensure he was not impaired. Deputy Skinner asked the defendant if he had anything illegal in his pockets and the defendant took a long pause and stated he had a “bubble” in his jacket pocket. The defendant then pulled the pipe from his pocket and handed it to Deputy Skinner. Deputy Skinner noted that there was brown residue inside the pipe which was consistent with burnt methamphetamine residue.
Deputy Skinner then asked the defendant if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle to which the defendant replied “if there is its in the front left side of the car in a container.” Deputy Skinner then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, to which the defendant directed Deputy Skinner to a tin container near the left side of the steering wheel. Inside the container Deputy Skinner observed a clear plastic baggie with a white crystal substance inside. The substance was NIK tested and came back positive for methamphetamine weighing approximately 2.42 grams.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49, intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
