Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing DWI test refusal and revoked-license charges in Pennington County District Court.
Harold James Sayers is charged with second-degree driving while impaired-test refusal.
He is also charged with driving after revocation.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 57-CR-26-245.
The charges stem from an April 10, 2026, driving complaint in Thief River Falls.
Driving Complaint On Highway 59
According to the complaint, an off-duty officer saw a blue sedan on Highway 59.
The vehicle was allegedly unable to maintain its lane near Edgewood.
The complaint says the sedan repeatedly crossed the fog line and center median line.
The vehicle also allegedly crossed into the opposing lane of traffic.
It then continued driving in the middle of the divided roadway.
Near the Third Street bridge, the sedan allegedly struck the right-side curb.
The vehicle later entered a turn lane without signaling.
At Third Street and Davis, it allegedly failed to turn.
The complaint says the sedan pulled in front of a pickup.
The pickup driver had to yield to avoid a crash.
Harold James Sayers
Stop At Falls Liquor Store
The sedan later turned onto Atlantic Avenue.
It then pulled into the Falls Liquor Store parking lot.
Officers arrived shortly after receiving the driving report.
Sayers was identified as the driver, according to the complaint.
He allegedly admitted he had been driving the blue sedan.
The complaint says Sayers also admitted he had been drinking.
Authorities reported slurred speech and an odor of alcohol.
Sayers provided an identification card.
He also allegedly admitted he did not have a valid license.
Authorities later found he had an active Beltrami County warrant.
Test Refusal Alleged
Sayers agreed to perform field sobriety tests, according to court records.
The complaint says he had trouble following directions during testing.
He was also seen leaning on a squad car.
During a walk-and-turn test, Sayers allegedly started too early.
He also allegedly failed to walk heel-to-toe.
Sayers was arrested and taken to the law enforcement center.
There, authorities read the implied consent advisory.
The complaint says Sayers declined to speak with an attorney.
Authorities attempted to obtain a breath sample.
The complaint says Sayers repeatedly failed to provide a steady sample.
He allegedly removed three test straws and threw them on the floor.
Authorities deemed his actions a refusal.
Charges And Possible Penalties
The DWI refusal charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
The driving after revocation charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
The DWI refusal count carries up to 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint says Sayers has one prior DWI conviction from 2025.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
Sayers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.