On July 23, 2025, at approximately 2:30 A.M., Minnesota State Troopers observed two people (driver and one backseat passenger) both slumped over in a running vehicle, located at Stevens Ave. S between 33rd and 34th St., in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The passenger was located in the backseat. Troopers opened the front passenger door and immediately smelled a strong odor of chemicals, which Troopers identified from training and experience as consistent with recent drug use. Troopers woke both the driver and the passenger and identified the driver via MN Driver’s License as DONTAY LEE CARAWAY, hereafter Defendant.
Defendant retrieved his driver’s license from a satchel on the front passenger seat, handed it to officers, and then placed it back in the satchel when it was returned to him. Defendant’s driver’s license was not valid. While speaking with Defendant, troopers observed signs of impairment, including slurred and deliberate speech and watery and bloodshot eyes. Defendant performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests. Troopers administered a preliminary breath test which indicated a.00 blood alcohol content.
Based on their observations and Defendant’s performance on field sobriety tests, along with the results of the breath test, troopers suspected Defendant to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Troopers placed Defendant under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers obtained a search warrant for Defendant’s blood sample. Defendant’s blood sample was drawn pursuant to the warrant by a certified phlebotomist at approximately 3:31 A.M. And sealed in a BCA-approved test kit.
In a report dated August 23, 2025, the BCA found that Defendant’s blood sample contained fentanyl and norfentanyl, a Schedule I or II controlled substance. Officers also searched Defendant’s satchel. Inside the satchel, Troopers located a small container holding a small powdery-like rock, two long strips of aluminum foil with carbons stains and a streak at the center, a segmented plastic tube with white powder residue along its walls, and a small plastic container with white powder residue in it.
In a report dated November 26, 2025, the BCA found that the rock substance tested positive for.097 grams of fentanyl. Defendant has a prior conviction under Minnesota Statute Chapter 152 (See MNCIS Case No.: ••-CR-••-••••). At present, Defendant is not in custody.
