Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing felony drug and DWI charges after a traffic stop in Beltrami County, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court.
Prosecutors charged Jeffrey William Baxter, 39, of Bemidji, with third-degree drug possession and third-degree DWI. The complaint says the case began on March 17, 2026, during a traffic stop near Cardinal Road and Highway 2.
What the complaint says
According to court records, an officer saw a black Chevrolet pickup traveling at a high speed. The complaint says the truck turned onto Blue Mayflower Road without signaling. It also states the vehicle was traveling 40 mph in a 30 mph zone.
The complaint says the truck swerved into the oncoming lane. It also says the vehicle had loud exhaust. The driver did not stop right away after emergency lights and siren were activated, according to the complaint.
Authorities say the truck finally stopped at a home on Blue Mayflower Drive. The driver was identified as Jeffrey William Baxter.
Court records say Baxter showed signs of possible impairment. He then took part in limited field sobriety testing. The complaint says he did not perform two tests because he reported a herniated disk in his back.
Investigators say Baxter was arrested at the scene. During a search, officers allegedly found a large bag of suspected methamphetamine on him. The complaint says Baxter later stated he used meth and only had meth, not fentanyl.
Evidence listed in court filing
The complaint says a search of the pickup found several pipes and a plastic baggie with white residue in the center console. Baxter was later taken to a hospital, where investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
According to the filing, Baxter chose to give a blood sample. That sample is expected to be tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The suspected drug seized during the arrest weighed 22.2 grams with packaging, according to the complaint. The substance tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.
Prior record noted
The complaint also lists a prior fifth-degree controlled substance case and a prior fourth-degree DWI conviction in Hubbard County. Prosecutors say one aggravating factor was present in the new DWI charge.
Third-degree drug possession is a felony under Minnesota Statute 152.023. The DWI count was filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and related law.
Baxter has been charged, but the case remains pending. A criminal charge is only an accusation. Guilt must be proven in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.