On Wednesday, May 30th, 2018, at 10:30 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the 3600 block of 5th Street, Emmetsburg, on a white 2003 Ford F-150, driven by Matthew Gagen (28), of Bode. During the traffic stop, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office investigated Gagen for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. Following the investigation, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office arrested Gagen for possession of controlled substance 3rd offense= class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia= simple misdemeanor; and operation without registration= simple misdemeanor. Gagen was also issued a warning for failure to provide financial responsibility coverage. Gagen was transported, without incident, to the Palo Alto County Jail and further testing was conducted while investigating Gagen for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Gagen was then booked into the Palo Alto County Jail to await his initial appearance before a magistrate.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Emmetsburg Police Department and Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.