M. Deputy Reasoner was traveling eastbound on Highway 10 near Minnesota Blvd in Sherburne County, MN when he observed a vehicle in the left lane traveling slower than the posted speed limit and was displaying expired registration. Deputy Reasoner pulled alongside the vehicle and observed the vehicle to again slow down. Deputy Reasoner then initiated a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver and sole occupant, later identified as NATHAN DEAN OPATZ, [DOB REDACTED] [hereinafter defendant] Deputy Reasoner smelt a strong odor of something burning inside the vehicle that was not consisted with cigarettes.
Deputy Reasoner also observed several items of drug paraphernalia in the center ashtray. Additionally, Deputy Reasoner observed the defendant to have quiet speech, his pupils to be extremely constricted, his hands unsteady, and a piece of tinfoil in his shirt pocket. Deputy Reasoner also learned the defendant had an active warrant for his arrest out of Sherburne County. When Deputy Reasoner asked the defendant where he was traveling, the defendant replied he was on his way to treatment. Defendant also informed Deputy Reasoner that he had previously smoked methamphetamine earlier that day.
Deputy Reasoner then had the defendant exit the vehicle. Defendant pulled a box of fuses and a torch style lighter from his pocket and set them on the vehicle, along with the piece of tin foil. Defendant advised Deputy Reasoner that he uses the tin foil to smoke but that there were no control substances located inside. Deputy Reasoner then had the defendant perform the SFST in which he observed the defendant to have substantial indicators of impairment. At approximately 10:37 the defendant was placed under arrest.
Deputy Reasoner then unwrapped the tin foil from the defendant’s pocket and observed a white substance partially melted. The substance was tested and rendered positive for fentanyl weighing approximately.05 grams. A search was then conducted on the defendant’s vehicle in which Deputy Reasoner located the following items; Pink pouch containing needles and liquid naloxone in the drivers side door Small zip top bag containing a white powdery residue in the center console Cylindrical container containing a white powdery residue in the center cupholder Naal naloxone in the sunglasses department A search warrant for the Defendant blood was granted at approximately 11:14 and Officer Richter arrived on scene, who is a phlebotomist and attempted to take the defendant’s blood but was unsuccessful.
The defendant was then transported to Sherburne County jail where a urine sample was obtained and sent to toxicology to be tested. Defendant has a prior DWI conviction from 2020 out of Wright County: 86CR205546 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.
