Willmar vehicle, foot pursuit ends in arrest, drug confiscation

WILLMAR - Two men face felony charges after a chase with CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force agents Oct. 1 in Willmar ended in arrest and confiscation of drugs, including more than 30 grams of methamphetamine.
Ricardo Daniel Gomez, 38, Willmar, made his first appearance Friday in Kandiyohi County District Court on felony charges of first-degree drug sale, first-degree controlled substance crime, obstructing the legal process - interfere with a peace officer, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and fifth-degree drug possession.
Gomez also faces charges of gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation - inimical to public safety and a misdemeanor charge of reckless or careless driving. Bail was set at $250,000, cash or bond. Gomez will make his next court appearance Oct. 13.
Gomez’s passenger, Jeremiah Judson Malvin, 30, Raymond, also faces charges. Malvin is being charged with felony counts of third-degree drug sale, third-degree possession of a controlled substance and two counts of fifth-degree drug drug possession. He also made his first court appearance Friday in Kandiyohi County District Court and will make his next appearance Oct. 13.
According to the criminal complaint, the high-speed chase started after agents attempted to arrest Gomez on outstanding warrants at the intersection of Olena Avenue and Second Street Southeast in Willmar.
Gomez reportedly traveled around 70 to 80 miles per hour in his Chevy Cruze, running stop signs and passing school zones at excessive speeds.
Gomez was reportedly traveling on Kandiyohi Avenue Southwest when he attempted to take a turn at 40 to 50 miles per hour and go north on 15th Street Southwest. An agent pulled his unmarked patrol unit up to the side of the Chevy Cruze after the vehicle lost control. Gomez then opened his driver’s side door and struck the agent’s vehicle, the complaint states.
Gomez then allegedly attempted to flee on foot from the agents and threw a small purple bag, later found to contain more than 26 grams of methamphetamine.
The chase ended when an agent tackled Gomez on a driveway north of the stopped vehicle, the complaint states.
Gomez and Malvin were both arrested and transported to Kandiyohi County Jail.
Agents also reportedly found additional drugs and drug paraphernalia at the scene, such as baggies, scales, a large amount of cash, marijuana and more amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine.
A review of Gomez’s driving record revealed that his license was canceled.