Marshall County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A Thief River Falls man is facing multiple charges in Marshall County following a late-night impaired driving incident earlier this week.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Marshall County District Court, Ethan Cole Peterson, 20, of Thief River Falls, has been charged with second-degree driving while impaired, open container, and driving after revocation. The complaint states the incident occurred on August 18, 2025.
Deputies responded after spotting a pickup truck parked oddly near County Roads 7 and 8 with its door open and engine running. Peterson was reportedly found slumped in the driver’s seat with his leg hanging outside the vehicle. Authorities observed an open can of Michelob Ultra in the center console.
Court records allege Peterson admitted to drinking “a couple of beers” before attempting field sobriety tests. He reportedly stumbled, slurred his words, and eventually asked officers to “just breathalyze me.” A preliminary breath test registered a .22 blood alcohol concentration. A later official test at the Pennington County Jail measured .21 — nearly three times Minnesota’s legal limit of .08.
Peterson’s license was previously revoked following a 2023 DWI conviction, according to the complaint. Along with the open container violation, deputies also discovered a case of beer with missing cans and an empty package of Cutwater mixed drinks inside the truck.
If convicted, Peterson faces up to one year in jail and fines of $3,000 on the gross misdemeanor DWI charge, along with additional penalties for the open container and license violations.
For background on Minnesota DWI laws and penalties, visit the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
