On February 17, 2026 Officer Charlton was on routine patrol in the area of Broadway Avenue South and 12th Street SE in the City of Rochester, Minnesota. Officer Charlton observed a vehicle, license JNB695 cross the fog line on Broadway Avenue South and also observed that the vehicle had extensive cracks on the windshield that would obstruct the driver's view. Officer Charlton conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 1200 block of Broadway Avenue South and spoke with the driver. The driver stated that the lane violation was due to him kissing his passenger.
The driver was identified as RYAN BLAINE SEVERSON, [DOB REDACTED]. While speaking with Severson Officer Charlton observed that Severson displayed a red left nasal area, had a low raspy voice, facial muscle twitching, body tremors and dilated pupils. Severson struggled to enter his password into his phone to look for proof of insurance. The front passenger was observed holding a pipe in her hand. Due to the observations Officer Charlton decided to do field sobriety tests. Severson exited the vehicle and handed over a small baggie of marijuana from the hat that he was wearing and admitted to meth use two days prior.
During the HGN test Officer Charlton observed Severson had lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes and he once again displayed facial muscle twitching, swaying, and dilated pupils that had no reaction to direct light. The one leg stand test was conducted and Officer Charlton observed three clues of impairment. During the modified Romberg test Severson estimated the passage of 30 seconds in 25 seconds. Severson also displayed swaying, leg muscle tremors, body tremors, eyelid tremors and a cavernous red left nasal area.
Severson did not perform the walk and turn test due to a knee injury. As a Drug Recognition Evaluator Officer Charlton believed that Severson was under the influence of a controlled substance and unable to operate the vehicle safely. Severson was placed under arrest A search of the vehicle revealed a bottle in the cup holder that contained a crystal like substance that field tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl and weighed 4.02 grams. A search warrant was obtained for a sample of Severson's blood or urine.
A urine sample was provided at 1640 hours, and will be sent to the BCA for analysis. Severson has a prior conviction for Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation - Substantial Bodily Harm with a disposition date of 11/10/10, Court File ••-CR-••-••••. 3 ••-CR-••-•••• Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 2/18/2026 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
