A Forest Lake man led a Chisago County deputy on a high-speed motorcycle chase into Anoka County before crashing, and deputies later found more than 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine on the motorcycle, according to charges.
Dennis Steven Reller, 42, faces charges of second-degree drug possession and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
According to the complaint, a Chisago County sheriff’s deputy was conducting stationary traffic enforcement on Interstate 35 near mile post 143 at about 4:17 a.m. on September 27, 2026, when he saw a motorcycle traveling southbound at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. The deputy used LIDAR to clock the motorcycle at 81 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone.
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The deputy attempted to catch up, reaching speeds of around 100 miles per hour but was unable to gain ground as the motorcycle continued south.
The deputy saw the motorcycle pass another vehicle, still moving fast, and was barely gaining ground at between 115 and 120 miles per hour. As they approached the exit for Wyoming and East Viking Boulevard, the motorcycle exited the interstate. The deputy got directly behind the motorcycle and activated his emergency lights and siren, but the rider failed to yield and ran a red light at East Viking Boulevard.
The motorcycle then traveled westbound on East Viking Boulevard before turning south on Kettle River Boulevard, accelerating rapidly and exceeding the posted 40 mile per hour speed limit. The complaint states the rider fled at speeds above 100 miles per hour and drove the wrong way on the two-lane road for several miles, eventually crossing into Anoka County.
As the pursuit neared a roundabout at West Broadway Avenue, the motorcycle slowed to navigate the intersection, then continued south, jumped the curb on the right shoulder and struck a guide wire from a power line. The impact caused large sparks and ejected the rider. The deputy exited his patrol vehicle, gave commands and arrested the driver, who was identified as Dennis Steven Reller.
While on the ground, Reller reportedly stated, “oh f*** that was dumb.” He was transported by ambulance to the Wyoming Fairview Hospital emergency room.
The motorcycle was towed to the Harris District Office for forfeiture. While at the hospital, another deputy reported over the radio that a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine had been found on the motorcycle. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 44.62 grams and field-tested presumptive positive. Reller was read his Miranda rights and told deputies the motorcycle belonged to him and that he had purchased it recently.
The charges were filed September 28 in Chisago County District Court.
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.
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