Norman County (trfnews.i234.me) — Court records show Austin James Olheiser, 27, of Hendrum, is charged. A complaint was filed in Norman County District Court. The case stems from a report in Perley on Feb. 15, 2026.
What deputies say happened
A caller reported a man driving a Polaris Ranger at high speed in Perley. The report said yards were being torn up. Deputies went to Olheiser’s home and spoke with the family. The family said he had been at a bar earlier. They also said he had gone to another bar in the county. The family reported he was stuck in a ditch south of town.
A deputy found Olheiser near Highway 75 and 150th Avenue. The Ranger was stuck in the ditch. Olheiser was outside the vehicle with another man. A deputy saw him holding a canned drink. Investigators say he threw the can into the ditch.
Signs of impairment
The complaint says Olheiser had slurred speech and poor balance. The deputy reported a strong odor of alcohol. The deputy also noted bloodshot, watery eyes.
Olheiser said he was going from one bar to another. He said he had been drinking. He agreed to field sobriety tests. The complaint says he struggled to follow directions. It also says the test was stopped for safety. The deputy then arrested him for suspected DWI.
Breath-test refusal
At the sheriff’s office, the observation period began at 6:25 p.m. The breath-test advisory was read at 6:34 p.m. Olheiser tried to call an attorney. At 6:44 p.m., he said he was done trying. He then said he would take a breath test.
The complaint says he later became angry about being watched in the restroom. He then changed his mind. He refused a breath test at 7:01 p.m. The deputy told him that refusal is a crime.
Charges listed in the complaint
The complaint says Olheiser’s license was revoked at the time. It also says he had a spring-loaded knife on him. Court records list these charges:
- Second-degree DWI for refusing a chemical test under Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
- Second-degree DWI with two or more aggravating factors under the same statute.
- Driving after revocation under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
- Possession of a switchblade under Minnesota Statute 609.66.
- Unlawful deposit of litter under Minnesota Statute 609.68.
The two DWI counts are gross misdemeanors. The complaint says he had prior impaired-driving convictions. It cites a case with a conviction date of Oct. 26, 2021. It also cites a case with a conviction date of Aug. 13, 2024.
The complaint also notes an active warrant in North Dakota. It lists a felony terrorizing warrant from Richland County.
Olheiser is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. You can read general DWI information at the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. You can also search Minnesota court records on Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.