Former Robbinsdale Council Member Tyler Kline Enters Guilty Pleas

Former Robbinsdale City Council member Tyler Kline entered three guilty pleas during a court appearance Tuesday morning. Kline’s lawyer, Aaron Morrison, said that Kline admitted to being intoxicated and said he had “a blackout experience” when he fled from police on Jan. 24.

Police officers attempted to pull Kline over on Jan. 24 when he drove the wrong way down Highway 100 near Brooklyn Boulevard. Police reports say as many as six officers pursued Kline’s minivan before one officer used a PIT maneuver to stop Kline’s vehicle and remove him from it. Police records show his blood alcohol content was .20, which is more than twice the legal limit.

MnDOT video from Jan. 24

Kline was charged with two misdemeanors for driving under the influence and one felony charge for fleeing a police officer. Kline entered a straight plea with a “goal of the felony being sentenced as a gross misdemeanor.”

Kline also submitted a Norgaard addendum, which is a plea of guilty where the defendant is unable to recall what happened at the time of the incident due to intoxication. Kline did admit to having “a blackout experience” and not remembering the events of that night. 

Sentencing for Kline is set for Aug. 12. 

Tyler Kline resigned in late May, following fellow council members calling for his resignation and even a petition asking for a recall. 

Voters in Robbinsdale will fill Kline’s Ward 1 seat in a special election in November. 

Robbinsdale