Hastings man charged after alleged fentanyl possession, firearms discovery during overdose investigation
Published: June 18th, 2026
HASTINGS MN: A Hastings man is facing multiple felony and gross misdemeanor charges after police investigating a reported drug overdose allegedly found fentanyl, methamphetamine and two firearms in his possession, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
Joshua Thomas Loiacano has been charged with two counts of third-degree controlled substance crime for allegedly possessing more than five grams or 25 dosage units of fentanyl, including one count alleging he possessed a firearm during the offense. He also faces two gross misdemeanor counts of obstructing legal process.
According to the complaint, Hastings police officers responded to a reported drug overdose at a residence in Hastings at approximately 7:15 a.m. on June 16. Officers located the person experiencing the overdose along with several other individuals inside the residence, including Loiacano.
Investigators allege Loiacano left the residence while officers continued investigating. Police later learned he was possibly involved in the overdose investigation and located him nearby.
According to the complaint, officers observed a piece of tinfoil inside Loiacano's fanny pack, which they recognized as commonly being used to store or consume controlled substances. As officers attempted to retrieve the tinfoil, Loiacano allegedly backed away, attempted to pull free from officers, and tried to run after being told he was under arrest.
The complaint states officers struggled with Loiacano before escorting him to the ground and taking him into custody.
During the arrest, officers allegedly recovered a firearm from Loiacano's fanny pack. A second firearm, described as a loaded Glock .43-caliber handgun, was allegedly found inside a body bag he was carrying. According to the complaint, officers later determined Loiacano did not have a permit to carry a handgun, and one of the recovered firearms had been reported stolen.
Investigators also allegedly found suspected narcotics inside the body bag. According to the complaint, officers recovered five separate bags that preliminarily tested positive for fentanyl and weighed approximately 1.00 gram, 0.98 grams, 1.05 grams, 1.05 grams and 4.33 grams, for a combined total of approximately 8.81 grams. Officers also recovered a separate bag that preliminarily tested positive for methamphetamine weighing approximately 0.58 grams, according to the complaint.
Because the complaint alleges Loiacano possessed a firearm while committing the controlled substance offense, one of the felony drug charges includes a firearm-related sentencing enhancement under Minnesota law.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court. Loiacano is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.