Rochester Man Accused of Fleeing Traffic Stop Busted With Meth at Rochester Motel

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man is facing felony charges for allegedly being busted with drugs after fleeing a traffic stop. 

See Also: Rochester Traffic Stop Leads to Meth Bust, Drug Offender Now Facing Charges 

That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Friday. Court records indicate he has a prior drug-related conviction

The alleged fleeing incident and subsequent drug bust occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. 

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Rochester Man Facing Felonies for Meth Bust Following Fleeing Incident

40-year-old Bradley James Richards is charged with fleeing and first-degree drug possession. He is also facing a misdemeanor weapons charge. 

The complaint says a Rochester police officer stopped Richards for stop sign and turn signal violations in the area of 11th Ave. and 2nd St. NE. 

While speaking with Richards, the officer suspected him of being impaired and ordered Richards out of the vehicle for sobriety testing, the charges indicate. 

Richards responded by saying an expletive then drove off. The officer declined to pursue, the complaint says. 

Nearly eight hours after the alleged fleeing, law enforcement spotted Richards entering the Quality Inn Motel, located in the 5700 block of Bandel Rd. NW. 

Police met him in the hotel’s stairwell and saw him carrying multiple bags. He was eventually taken into custody. 

A subsequent search of his belongings led to the discovery of 69.4 grams of methamphetamine spread out in six different baggies. He was also in possession of brass knuckles, the charges say. 

Court records indicate Richards was convicted of second-degree drug possession in Olmsted County in 2021. 

Richards made his first court appearance Friday morning. His bail was set at $200,000 without conditions and he is due back in court later this month.