Norman County Sheriff’s Deputies Make Two Meth Busts
Halstad, MN — Two individuals made appearances this week in Norman County District Court facing serious charges stemming from two separate meth busts earlier this year Norman County.
The first of the incidents occurred on December 15th when a deputy was conducting surveillance on an apartment building in the city of Halstad. During that time, the deputy observed a suspicious white Chevy Suburban with expired registration. When the officer tried to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle, which was being driven by 47-year-old Gene Wilkie of Bismarck, took off through the city of Halstad at a high rate of speed. Due to low visibility from the fog and speeds in excess of 85mph, the pursuit was discontinued.
Following communication with Traill County deputies, the white Suburban was located in a ditch a short distance from where the chase ended. After following foot tracks for approximately 3 miles, deputies located Wilkie, who was taken to the hospital where he admitted to being in possession of 20 grams of methamphetamine. Wilkie was charged with one count of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and one count of Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle. Both are felonies. Combined he faces a maximum penalty of 23 years in prison and/or $255,000 in fines.
The second meth bust occurred on March 15th when an unmarked deputy traveling along Highway 200 between Ada and Halstad was passed by another vehicle traveling at approximately 90mph and driving erratically. The deputy radioed to another deputy in front of him, who pulled over the driver over. The driver was identified as 59 year old Gordon Lee Bruce of Burnsville. Bruce was extremely agitated and appeared to be impaired. Deputies also noticed several signs of potential drug trafficking, including several phones in the front seat.
Upon searching the vehicle, Norman County Deputies located 31 grams of methamphetamine, 14 grams of marijuana, digital scales, pipes, and torches. A preliminary drug test also indicated meth and marijuana in the driver’s system. Bruce is being charged with Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree, which faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $500,000.