On 5/09/2026, Metro Transit Police were dispatched to a report of a blue pickup truck stuck in between the light rail tracks that almost hit some of the construction workers. Law enforcement arrived and observed a pickup truck stopped on the tracks in the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin Country, Minnesota. The driver, later identified as MICHAEL WILLIAM CURTIS, [DOB REDACTED], Defendant, was slumped over in the driver's seat. A glass pipe, commonly used for smoking controlled substances was observed between his legs.
Law enforcement knocked on the driver's side window. Defendant awoke and turned the keys, which appeared to already be in the ignition. Defendant appeared disoriented and had slurred speech. When asked how he got on the tracks, Defendant stated he drove around the building thinking there was a road. Defendant needed to be guided out of truck when asked to step out. Paramedics arrived to evaluate Defendant. After evaluation, medics advised Defendant could be transported to the hospital for DWI warrant procedures.
Law enforcement observed a small clear plastic baggie that contained a white powdery substance of suspected controlled substances the top of the vehicle dashboard. This item weighed approximately 0.47 grams and field-tested positive for methamphetamine. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement observed needles (capped and uncapped) and glass pipes with burnt residue Officers applied for a search warrant for a sample of Defendant's blood or urine. Defendant provided a blood sample. Results are pending.
Defendant has the following qualified prior impaired driving incidents withing 10 years of this offense: - ••-CR-••-••••, 4th DWI- - Operate Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Alcohol, conviction on or about 11/29/2018 - Impaired driving-related loss of license (revocation pursuant to search warrant) on 7/22/2025. Defendant has the following DWI-related convictions more than 10 years from this offense date: - ••-CR-••-••••, DWI- Operate Motor Vehicle - Alcohol Concentration 0.08 Within 2 Hours, conviction on or about 12/12/2007 - ••-CR-••-••••, DWI- Operate Motor Vehicle - Alcohol Concentration 0.08 Within 2 Hours, conviction on or about 3/10/2009 - ••-CR-••-••••, DWI- Operate Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Alcohol, conviction on or about 8/19/2010 Defendant has a pending DWI and DAC case in court file ••-CR-••-••••, 3rd degree drug possession in court file ••-CR-••-••••, DAC-IPS and driving without ignition interlock in court file ••-CR-••-••••. Defendant is in custody.
Given Defendant's risk to public safety, the State is requesting increased bail.
