Stem from

Broadway

crash

By Fritz Busch

Staff Writer

NEW ULM — A 42-year-old New Ulm man faces three felony counts and four other charges stemming from a May 3 crash with injuries near Broadway and 4th Street North.

Charges filed Thursday in Brown County District Court against Ryan E. Royer, 1001 Valley St. S. included felony 5th-degree drug possession-not small amount of marijuana, criminal vehicular operation-substantial bodily harm-under influence of a controlled substance; and criminal vehicular operation-substantial bodily harm-leaving the scene of an accident.

In addition, Royer faces a gross misdemeanor charge of traffic collision-failure to notify police of personal injury and misdemeanor DWI-operate motor vehicle under influence of a controlled substance, 4th-degree DWI-operate motor vehicle-body contains any amount of Schedule 1/11 drugs-not marijuana and driver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle.

Royer’s bail was set at $25,000 without conditions; $1,000 with conditions Wednesday. A hearing was set for 9:30 a.m., May 19. He was in Brown County Jail custody Thursday.

According to court documents, New Ulm Police were dispatched to the area near 4th North and Broadway at 5:34 p.m. May 3 for a personal injury crash between a pickup and motorcycle.

Dispatch told police the pickup, a blue Ford F150, left the scene and was southbound on Garden Street. The pickup was later stopped and the driver identified as Royer.

Police talked with the motorcycle driver and passenger, neither of which wore a helmet or other safety gear. One individual said they were southbound on Broadway, near 4th North in the outside lane when a blue pickup crossed Broadway, traveling westbound on 4th North.

The motorcycle driver said he had to press his front and rear brakes to avoid colliding with the pickup, and laid the bike down on the left side of the road. He was in visible pain and had injuries including severe right wrist pain.

Police clarified with the motorcycle driver and rider that they did not collide with the pickup that crossed the road directly in front of them. Both people said they drove to the hospital for medical attention.

Police contacted Royer and recognized him as a regular methamphetamine user. He initially denied knowing anything about the crash.

He later admitted to being involved in the crash and said he had no insurance on the pickup. Royer told police he stopped at the intersection, looked both ways and continued on his way.

After crossing the intersection, Royer said he heard something squeal and noticed the motorcycle go down, he panicked and continued on his way.

He denied using any alcohol or narcotics. He agreed to a search of his vehicle. Police found baggies containing a white, powdery substance in a tin can. Royer admitted it was methamphetamine that he last used a few hours earlier. He was handcuffed and arrested.

Two witnesses parked behind police told them Royer pulled out in front of the motorcycle and caused the crash and that he was driving erratically after the crash, zig-zagging on side streets.

Royer was transported to the New Ulm Medical Center. A search warrant was obtained and Royer’s blood was drawn.

Police later NIK tested the white substance found in the pickup and received a positive indication of methamphetamine that weighed 1.5 grams.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.