On February 24, 2026, at approximately 7:29 P.M., Minnesota State Patrol learned that an off-duty state trooper observed a vehicle on 94 traveling westbound near Maple Grove Parkway that was splitting lanes, almost crashed into multiple cars, and almost side-swiped the trooper's vehicle. A trooper responded to the area and entered Highway 101 behind the off-duty trooper and observed the vehicle, a black Mercedez Benz (MN 4047AD). The trooper observed the driving conduct that was described and activated the emergency lights and sirens.
The vehicle slowly pulled over to the right-hand shoulder but continued to move forward at a slow rate of speed. When the vehicle stopped, the trooper approached and identified the driver as JONATHON DEAN QUINNELL [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein. The trooper spoke with Defendant about the driving conduct and Defendant stated his wheel bearings are loose, and he was trying to exit. Police stated that due to the driving conduct, they asked Defendant to step out to see if Defendant was safe to drive.
The trooper conducted field sobriety testing with Defendant, who showed multiple clues of impairments. Defendant provided a preliminary breathalyzer test of.00 BAC. Defendant was arrested for suspicion of driving while impaired. Troopers searched Defendant's vehicle and located a gas cylinder smoking apparatus with burnt plastic ends in a backpack. Also inside the backpack was an envelope covered with black electric tape that continued crystal like shards. Defendant was transported to the hospital to conduct a blood sample.
The shards within the envelope were later processed and field-tested positive for.52 grams of methamphetamine. On March 30, 2026, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) issued a report that the confirmed the substances were.483 grams of methamphetamine. On April 1, 2026, the BCA issued a report showing that Defendant had amphetamine and methamphetamine in his system on the night of incident. At present, Defendant is not in custody.
