On March 9, 2026, at approximately 1:08 P.M., Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Renken was traveling westbound on Highway 55 near Douglas Drive in Golden Valley, Hennepin County, when he observed a tan Ford Fusion that was traveling well below the listed speed limit of 55 MPH. The driver, later identified as MICHAEL LAMAR JOHNSON, defendant herein, was in the left lane and his slow speed was causing other drivers to have to go around him. Trooper Renken confirmed with his front radar that the Defendant was driving at speeds varying between 40-45 MPH and was impeding traffic.
Trooper Renken got behind the vehicle and activated his squad emergency lights. The Defendant made no attempt to stop and continued to travel at a slow rate of speed. Trooper Reneken then activated his squad emergency siren to get the Defendant’s attention. The Defendant then slow rolled and made an illegal U- turn at an intersection to go back eastbound on Highway 55. The Defendant accelerated and continued eastbound at speeds between 60 and 70 MPH. Trooper Renken pulled up alongside the vehicle and observed the Defendant.
Trooper Renken continued to pursue the vehicle until State Patrol Flight arrived and could observe the vehicle from overhead. Flight officers observed the vehicle stop at Harmon Place and Maple and advised ground units of the vehicle location and that three subjects got out of the vehicle. Flight officers were able to observe the Defendant wearing a green sweatshirt. Officers on the ground located the Defendant near the south side of the Greenway Gables complex where he was taken into custody. Officers observed that the Defendant was sluggish, had a droopy face, was lethargic and had slurred speech.
The Defendant was swaying back and forth and side to side and troopers had to support him to keep him from falling over. Troopers also observed that his pupils were pinpoint constricted and much smaller than normal. Troopers requested EMS to the scene. Prior to EMS arriving, troopers as the Defendant what he had ingested. The Defendant told them he ingested both fentanyl and crack. The Defendant was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance and taken to the special care unit for observation.
Trooper obtained a warrant for the Defendant’s blood or urine. After being advised of the warrant, the Defendant agreed to a blood test. The sealed blood kit has been sent to the BCA for analysis. Results are pending. Defendant is currently in custody.
