On or about 10/31/2025, Deputy Mike Wing received information from Detective Steve Branby that a vehicle that was flagged "sold" to Russel John Maruna, [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein, was at the supermarket in Battle Lake, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Branby reported that the male associated with the vehicle matched Defendant's description. Wing responded to Battle Lake and observed the described vehicle attempting to turn on to Highway 78. He motioned for the vehicle to pull over and the driver to exit.
Wing identified the driver as Defendant and informed him of his active felony warrant and began to place him under arrest. While arresting Defendant, Wing observed a black sunglass case in the driver's door that appeared to have a glass pipe consistent with a pipe that is used to smoke methamphetamine. At this time, Wing retrieved his United States Police Canine Association Certified K-9 Jacko. Jacko searched the exterior of the vehicle and alerted near the front driver's side wheel well. Wing searched the vehicle and found 2 glass pipes consistent with methamphetamine pipes and a paper bindle that contained a white substance consistent with methamphetamine.
The bindle of suspected methamphetamine weighed.7 grams. Defendant has a prior 5th degree-controlled substance conviction from 2022 in Washington County. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
