Man Charged With Drug Possession, DWI After Being Found Unconscious Behind Wheel in Inver Grove Heights
Published: October 13th 2026.
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS MN - A man is facing felony drug possession and DWI-related charges after authorities allegedly found him unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle following a reported crash in Inver Grove Heights. Authorities later discovered methamphetamine and fentanyl inside the vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Timothy Merrill Newlun has been charged with third-degree controlled substance possession and fifth-degree controlled substance possession, both felonies. He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge of third-degree DWI for refusing a court-authorized chemical test and a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree DWI involving a controlled substance.
The complaint states that on September 7th, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Minnesota State Patrol troopers and Inver Grove Heights police officers responded to a reported single-vehicle crash near northbound Highways 52 and 55, just north of 117th Street.
Upon arrival, authorities found Newlun unconscious in the driver's seat of a vehicle with the engine running. Officers determined he had a pulse and observed that his pupils were pinpoint, which the complaint describes as consistent with a possible opioid overdose.
Authorities also reportedly observed a lighter and burnt tin foil on the seat next to Newlun, items commonly associated with illegal drug use.
During the investigation, a trooper discovered multiple clear plastic bags on the passenger-side floorboard containing a crystalline substance, along with a separate bag containing a tan-brown powder.
According to the complaint, testing conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that one bag contained approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, while another contained approximately 0.087 grams of fentanyl.
Authorities subsequently obtained a search warrant authorizing the collection of a fluid sample from Newlun. Despite being advised that refusing the test was a crime, Newlun allegedly declined to provide a sample.
Newlun faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison for the third-degree controlled substance charge, five years for the fifth-degree controlled substance charge, one year for the third-degree DWI charge, and 90 days for the fourth-degree DWI charge.
The charges are allegations, and Newlun is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.