A Burnett County Sheriff's Office Deputy stopped a vehicle on March 24, 2017 for a broken tail light and during the course of the traffic stop located .24 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.
According to the criminal complaint, the driver of the vehicle was identified as Richard Polinski, of Grantsburg, WI. Polinski told the Deputy that the car belonged to Polinski's friend and that he was on his way to Frederic, WI. When the Deputy ran a check of Polinski's driver's license, he was advised that Polinski's driver's license was revoked. At that time the Deputy told Polinski that he was under arrest for operating after revocation and that the vehicle would be towed.
The deputy began an inventory of the vehicle to document it's condition prior to being towed, and during the course of that inventory saw a clear glass bubble pipe of the type which is commonly used to smoke methamphetamine wedged between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat.
The criminal complaint continues, stating that the deputy also saw a white crystal substance resembling methamphetamine spead across the floor right in front of the driver's seat. The deputy collected the white substance and the pipe as evidence. Tests conducted later on those items came back positive for methamphetamine.
Officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle who came to the scene of the traffic stop. He told officers that Polinski had the vehicle for about 2 days. The owner was not able to locate a licensed driver to drive the vehicle away from the scene before the towing company had also arrived and took possession of the vehicle. The towing company stated they would need $50 to release the vehicle. After the owner of the vehicle said he did not have $50, Polinski said he would pay the $50. An officer on scene counted out the money from Polinski's wallet and that money was turned over to the towing company.
Charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (a Class I Felony), Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle While Revoked were filed against Polinski in Burnett County Circuit Court on April 5, 2017.
Public record shows that Polinski is scheduled to appear in Burnett County Circuit Court in July.
DrydenWire.com will continue to update the community on this situation when any significant activity or progress develops.
DrydenWire.com reminds our readers that arrested or charged individuals are presumed innocent until convicted by judge or jury.
Last Update: Apr 13, 2017 10:07 am CDT
