Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing a felony DWI charge after a traffic stop on March 19, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.
Prosecutors charged Crystal Leah Cloud, 41, with first-degree driving while impaired. The complaint says the charge is based on alleged impairment by a controlled substance and prior qualified impaired driving incidents within the past 10 years.
Traffic Stop in Bemidji
According to the complaint, law enforcement began tracking a blue Honda CRV traveling west on U.S. Highway 2 and into Bemidji. Investigators said they recognized the vehicle as one Cloud often used and identified her as the driver.
The complaint states the SUV was later followed in Bemidji. During that time, an investigator reported seeing the passenger-side tires cross the white fog line and then ride along the curb or gutter line. Authorities then stopped the vehicle near Eighth Street and Bemidji Avenue.
Court records say Cloud showed several signs of possible impairment during the stop. The complaint alleges her speech was slurred, her movements were fidgety, and her face showed muscle tremors. Investigators also wrote that she appeared confused while handling insurance paperwork.
Search and Field Tests
According to the complaint, Cloud told officers there was nothing illegal in the vehicle and gave consent for a search. During that search, investigators reported finding drug paraphernalia in the driver’s door pocket and a digital scale in the glove box.
The complaint also says Cloud was given field sobriety tests. Investigators wrote that she showed signs of impairment during those tests, including swaying and eyelid tremors. Based on those observations, authorities arrested her on suspicion of DWI.
After her arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. The complaint says Cloud first agreed to provide a urine sample, but investigators believed she tried to manipulate the test. Authorities then requested a blood sample, and court records say it was collected later that afternoon at Sanford.
Charge Tied to Prior Incidents
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both. Court records say Cloud has prior DWI convictions from 2019 and 2020. The complaint also states she had a prior impaired-driving-related license loss tied to a pending case.
The criminal complaint is only an accusation. The charge has not been proven in court, and Cloud is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Public Records and Legal Resources
Readers can learn more through the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the Minnesota statutes covering DWI offenses and first-degree DWI.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
