WASHBURN COUNTY — Over 50 grams of methamphetamine were seized after the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to a report of an erratic driver in Washburn County.
On December 2, 2019, at around 10a, Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers responded to a report of an erratic driver on State Highway 70 west of Spooner that was all over the road, driving between 40-70 miles per hour, and repeatedly crossing the centerline. The vehicle also allegedly nearly caused a head-on collision with a semi, nearly struck a tree along the shoulder of the road, and nearly rear-ended a garbage truck.
Troopers located the vehicle in Spooner, WI at the Kwik Trip convenience store located at the intersection of State Highways 70 and 63. A Trooper addressed the driver of the vehicle outside of the Kwik Trip store, however, the male continued on into the store, moving towards the rear of the store where the bathrooms are located.
After the Trooper told the male that Law Enforcement was responding to a report of erratic driving, the male provided Troopers with a false name and said that the vehicle’s “front end” was loose, causing him to be unable to drive the vehicle straight, according to a criminal complaint filed in Washburn County Circuit Court.
The driver of the vehicle was ultimately identified as Wayne Harmon, age 58, of North Branch, MN. With the assistance of a State Patrol K9 Unit, Troopers located over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle as well as Marijuana, and multiple items of paraphernalia.
A State Patrol K9 Unit was on scene and indicated that controlled substances may be located inside the vehicle. The vehicle was searched, leading to the discovery of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia including gem bags. A heavy user of methamphetamine will typically only use 1-1.75 grams in a week, according to the criminal complaint filed against Harmon.
Harmon allegedly told Troopers that he had smoked methamphetamine that morning around 5a. Field sobriety tests were attempted, however, Harmon was unable to successfully complete those tests and Harmon was taken into custody. A warrant was obtained for a sample of Harmon’s blood, and he was transported to the hospital in Shell Lake, WI for an evidentiary blood draw.
Once at the hospital, Harmon did not cooperate with the process of the blood draw, physically resisting the officers, kicking and pulling away. After multiple officers responded to the hospital to ensure the safety of staff and others at the hospital, Harmon did eventually comply.
Charges of Class C Felony Possession With Intent To Deliver Methamphetamine, Class I Felony Possession of THC - 2nd & Subsequent Offense, Misdemeanor Resisting, Misdemeanor Obstructing, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving-Endanger Safety, Operating Left of Center, and Operating Without a Valid License have been filed against Harmon. Charges for operating under the influence and results of Harmon’s blood test were not included in the criminal complaint at the time of this post.
At an Initial Appearance hearing on December 23, 2019, Harmon appeared while in custody and plead Not Guilty to his charges.
The Court ordered that a $5,000 cash bail bond remain in effect for Harmon according to online circuit court records. Harmon is scheduled to appear again in January 2020.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Dec 26, 2019 4:50 pm CST
