A Powell man reportedly crashed into the Maverik convenience store last week while attempting to park. Authorities allege he was under the influence of meth at the time.

Tyrel L. Morningstar, 37, has been charged with misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine in connection with the Nov. 19 incident. He pleaded not guilty at a Friday appearance in Park County Circuit Court.

Charging documents say Morningstar’s green Subaru Outback hit the building just to the left of the front entrance, causing “significant damage” to a large window and the wall. 

When police arrived shortly after 8 p.m., they found Morningstar inside the store; as they spoke with the suspect, he “walked over to the cashier to pay for his fountain drink,” Officer Matt Koritnik wrote in a charging affidavit.

Morningstar allegedly told police that as he was parking, “his vehicle ‘didn’t stop’ and crashed into the building,” Koritnik wrote.

The officer and certified drug recognition expert suspected Morningstar was under the influence. The affidavit says the man had exaggerated reflexes, slurred speech, was restless and lethargic and demonstrated signs of impairment on sobriety tests. Morningstar allegedly reported drinking four cans of Coors Light and taking two “hits” of meth several hours earlier. Police found 1.2 grams of apparent meth and two pipes in his pockets.

At Friday’s hearing in Park County Circuit Court, Judge Joey Darrah set bond at $2,000 cash or surety, and Morningstar made bail that evening.

While awaiting further proceedings, Morningstar has been ordered to enroll in the Park County Treatment Court’s pretrial testing program, among other conditions.