High-speed chase yields drug finds

A Cloquet man was arrested Thursday, Dec. 30, after leading Fond du Lac police on an extended chase and then attempted to harm an officer with his vehicle.

Stephen James Smith, 29, faces felony charges of fleeing police in a motor vehicle, second-degree assault with a vehicle, third-degree drug possession and misdemeanor charges of introducing contraband into a jail and giving a false name.

According to the criminal complaint, Fond du Lac police attempted to stop Smith for failing to signal and driving without headlights along with speeding on Dec. 30. Smith pulled over but then drove away as the officer was approaching. A chase ensued, with officers reaching speeds above 90 mph.

When Smith slid into a ditch, he aimed his vehicle at an officer’s vehicle, attempting to ram it, before getting free. When the vehicle slid into the ditch again, police were able to reach Smith and take him to jail.

Jail staff allegedly found six baggies on Smith containing substances that tested positive for methamphetamine. In a search of the vehicle the next day, officers allegedly found four bindles with a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine with a weight of 2.37 grams. Officers also allegedly found what they suspect is heroin or fentanyl.

Bail was set at $3,000 cash or $30,000 bond in a hearing Monday. Smith’s next hearing is Jan. 10.