A driver holding his phone and not wearing a seatbelt caught the attention of a trooper near a car wash in Aurora, leading to a search that turned up methamphetamine and a loaded pistol, according to the complaint.
Charles Alan Boyer Salmi, 52, of Aurora, faces charges of fifth-degree drug possession, third-degree DWI for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, carrying a pistol while under the influence of a controlled substance and obstructing legal process.
According to court records, a trooper on patrol at about 5:55 p.m. on August 30 saw a truck heading north on Main Street. The driver, later identified as Salmi, was holding his phone and looking down at it. The trooper followed the truck as it turned into a car wash parking lot near the A&W and activated his emergency lights.
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When the trooper approached, he saw that Salmi was not wearing a seatbelt. Salmi initially denied using his phone but then admitted to having it in his hand after the trooper pointed out the last message was sent at 5:55 p.m. The trooper noted Salmi’s bloodshot eyes, rapid shallow breathing and that he was constantly moving his jaw. Salmi also had numerous missing or ground-down teeth and an odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle.
Salmi admitted to taking prescription medication and marijuana that day but denied recent methamphetamine use, saying he had not used since April. The trooper asked Salmi to perform field sobriety tests. Salmi had trouble focusing during the eye test and showed facial tremors. He was unable to complete other tests due to a foot injury and leaned against the squad car during the balance test. He estimated 30 seconds as about 18 seconds and had trouble following instructions.
The complaint states Salmi eventually admitted to recent methamphetamine use and said his blood would test positive. When the trooper told Salmi he was under arrest, Salmi became uncooperative, tried to walk back to his truck and refused to get into the squad car. Additional officers were called to assist.
During a search of the vehicle, the trooper found a loaded pistol in the center console. Salmi had a valid permit to carry the firearm. Next to the pistol was a baggie containing a crystalline substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed about 3.9 grams. Salmi agreed to provide a blood sample after being given a search warrant advisory. Results from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are pending.
Court records note Salmi has a prior implied consent violation from April 2026.
The charges were filed Tuesday, September 1. A court date has not yet been set.
About This Charge
Minnesota’s controlled-substance statutes are organized in five degrees under § 152.021 through § 152.025. First-degree possession or sale carries up to 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence depending on quantity. Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin are all Schedule I or II controlled substances triggering the highest-degree statutes.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
Duluth Driver Hits City Worker’s Car Twice, Then Flees Police • Minneapolis Man Accused of Chokehold, Robbery in Aurora Break-In • Hibbing Man Charged After Ride Turns Into Armed Robbery
Jurisdictional Context
Saint Louis County is Minnesota’s largest county by area, stretching from Duluth to the Canadian border. The Saint Louis County Attorney’s Office prosecutes felonies through the Sixth Judicial District; cases are heard at the Saint Louis County Courthouse in Duluth and the Virginia courthouse for cases north of the iron range.
