A 29-year-old Elk River man is facing multiple charges after an early-morning traffic stop in Anoka led to his arrest for suspected drug impairment and the discovery of a loaded handgun inside his vehicle.
Erratic Driving Prompts Traffic Stop
According to the criminal complaint filed in Anoka County District Court, Daniel Jason Deaton was stopped around 3:17 a.m. on October 14, 2025, when Officer Whiteside observed a red Jeep SUV traveling erratically on Highway 10 near 7th Avenue. The vehicle was reportedly driving down the center dividing strip between lanes and weaving within its lane.
A routine license-plate check revealed the vehicle’s registration had expired in April 2025. The officer initiated a stop and identified the driver as Deaton, who presented a Minnesota driver’s license and expired insurance information.
Signs of Drug Impairment
While speaking with Deaton, Officer Whiteside noted that he avoided eye contact, mumbled, and had slurred speech. When Deaton exited the vehicle, he appeared unsteady on his feet, kept his head down, and struggled to maintain balance, according to the report.
Deaton denied using alcohol or drugs, but field-sobriety tests indicated signs of cognitive impairment, poor coordination, and lack of balance. A preliminary breath test (PBT) showed 0.000, ruling out alcohol as a factor.
Based on his observations, Officer Whiteside believed Deaton was under the influence of a controlled substance and placed him under arrest.
Loaded Firearm Found in Vehicle
During an inventory search of the Jeep, Officer Fischer located a Glock 26 9mm handgun inside the glove compartment, within Deaton’s reach. The weapon had a magazine inserted, the slide forward, and seven rounds loaded. Officers also found a box of additional ammunition in the same compartment.
A record check confirmed that Deaton did not have a permit to carry a firearm in Minnesota.
Blood and Urine Testing
Officer Whiteside obtained a search warrant for blood and urine testing, signed by Judge Karin McCarthy at 4:28 a.m. Deaton refused a blood test but consented to provide a urine sample around 4:40 a.m., which was later sent to the state laboratory for analysis.
Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged Deaton with three offenses:
- Carrying or Possessing a Pistol in a Public Place Without a Permit — Gross Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
- Fourth-Degree DWI — Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance — Misdemeanor, carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance — Misdemeanor, also punishable by 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Judge McCarthy ordered Deaton detained pending further court proceedings. The complaint notes that charges may be amended once laboratory test results are received.
Early Morning Patrol Leads to Arrest
The arrest occurred during routine overnight patrols, a time when officers often encounter impaired or unlicensed drivers.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based solely on verified information contained in an Anoka County District Court criminal complaint filed October 14, 2025.
