Crow Wing County, Minnesota — A popular social media creator known for his viral dating series has been taken into custody after being charged in a driving-related case, drawing attention from his large online following.
Matthew Wurnig, widely recognized for his “50 Dates 50 States” series on TikTok, was arrested early Saturday morning, according to official records.
Arrest occurred early morning
Authorities say Wurnig, 29, was taken into custody around 3:30 a.m. on March 21 in Crow Wing County, located roughly 140 miles from Minneapolis.
“The arrest followed a traffic-related incident under investigation,” officials said.
Jail records confirm that he remains in custody as the case moves forward.
Charges include DWI and refusal of test
According to arrest records, Wurnig is facing:
- Second-degree driving while impaired (DWI)
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test
“Refusal to comply with testing requirements can carry additional legal consequences,” authorities noted.
No bail has been set at this time, and further court proceedings are expected.
Social media figure with large following
Wurnig gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic after launching his “50 Dates 50 States” series, where he connected with people across the country.
“The series quickly gained traction and attracted millions of viewers online.”
With over 750,000 followers on TikTok, he became known for documenting both virtual and in-person dates as travel restrictions eased.
Viral success and expansion of series
Following the success of the original concept, Wurnig expanded the idea into multiple seasons, continuing to travel and meet participants across the United States.
His content eventually reached a wider audience, including appearances tied to national media exposure.
“The series evolved into a larger project with multiple seasons and live events.”
A new season is reportedly planned, featuring a different lead participant while Wurnig takes on a supporting role.
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Case draws attention from fans
News of the arrest has quickly spread online, with many followers reacting to the development.
While officials have not released further details about the incident, the case is expected to proceed through the legal system in the coming weeks.
“Authorities have not commented beyond confirming the charges.”
Investigation and legal process ongoing
As of now, Wurnig remains in custody, and no additional updates have been provided regarding his court appearance or legal representation.
The situation highlights how legal issues involving public figures can quickly gain widespread attention due to their online presence.
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