Marel Chrishaun Octavier Johnson

On March 13, 2026, MAREL CHRISHAUN-OCTAVIER JOHNSON [DOB REDACTED] flew from the Twin Cities to Los Angeles, California. On March 15, 2026, Johnson rented a 2025 Nissan Altima bearing California license plate 9ULR590 from Avis at the Los Angeles International Airport. Johnson was scheduled to return the Altima to the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on March 24, 2026. On March 17, 2026, Johnson flew back to the Twin Cities. On March 20, 2026, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a semitruck hauling the Altima during a vehicle inspection.

The hauler consented to a search of the Altima. Officers located two separate kilogram packages of drugs in the Altima’s trunk. The drugs tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Further investigation revealed that a different hauler met a man named “Chris” at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel at [ADDRESS REDACTED] in Los Angeles. “Chris” agreed to pay $1000 for the Altima to be delivered to the Target at [ADDRESS REDACTED] B, Roseville, Ramsey County. “Chris” provided a phone number to the hauler, and they reached an agreement to transport the Altima.

The hauler who met “Chris” took photos of “Chris” and the Altima and sent them to the person who actually transported the Altima. On March 23, 2026, officers replaced one of the kilograms of fentanyl in the Altima. The hauler communicated with the number provided and learned that they would be receiving payment in cash when the Altima was delivered. At 11:55 AM, the hauler arrived at 1550 Highway 36, Roseville, Ramsey County which is north of the agreed upon Target meeting place. The hauler released the Altima from the trailer and contacted “Chris” at the number provided saying that the Altima was ready to be picked up.

At 12:34 PM, Johnson walked through the Target parking lot toward 1550 Highway 36. Johnson met the hauler and inspected the Nissan. The arrest team moved in and took Johnson into custody. Johnson had a business card from the Westin Hotel at [ADDRESS REDACTED] in his wallet when he was arrested. The hauler indicated that Johnson appeared to be the same person in the photos taken in Los Angeles when the agreement to haul the Altima was reached. Johnson was advised of his constitutional rights and agreed to speak to officers.

When told officers knew Johnson had rented the Altima and had it shipped back to himself in Minnesota with drugs inside it, Johnson asked for a lawyer. Johnson has a warrant for his arrest out of a Shelby County, Ohio indictment for possessing between 1000 – 5000 grams of marijuana. Johnson has prior convictions in Minnesota for assault in the first and third degrees. Johnson also has a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. These three convictions are violent crimes pursuant to Minnesota Statute 609.1095, subd. 1(d).