Fort Ripley Man Arrested In Benton County After Alleged Erratic Driving Report

RICE - A Fort Ripley man has been arrested in Benton County, thanks to the help of an alert driver.

The incident began at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday when a driver called to report they were following another vehicle that went through two stop signs on Benton County Road 13. The vehicle then crashed into some trees on Highway 10.  It then got back on the road and started heading east on County Road 13.  A short time later a deputy found the vehicle with extensive damage.

The driver was identified as 32-year-old Jesse Knopik of Fort Ripley.

During a search of his vehicle, the deputy allegedly found drug paraphernalia and a substance that field tested positive for heroin.  He's expected to be charged with driving under the influence and possesion of a controlled substance.