Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop involving three juveniles.
Lee Anthony St John Sr. is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-814.
Charges include DWI test refusal, child endangerment, and unlawful possession of a legend drug.
Speeding Stop On Paul Bunyan Drive
According to the complaint, the stop happened April 6, 2026.
A Minnesota State Patrol trooper was traveling north on Paul Bunyan Drive Southeast.
The trooper reported seeing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.
Radar showed the vehicle was traveling 49 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.
The vehicle pulled into a parking lot near Paul Bunyan Drive Southeast and Roosevelt Road Southeast.
The driver was identified as Lee Anthony St John Sr.
The complaint says three juveniles were inside the vehicle.
Lee Anthony St John Sr.
Complaint Alleges Signs Of Impairment
Authorities reported that St John had rigid muscle movements and glossy eyes.
St John allegedly said his cruise control was set.
He also said he was not paying attention.
The complaint says St John discussed past heroin and fentanyl use.
He also said he had recently been taking Suboxone.
St John allegedly said he missed a Suboxone dose and a urinalysis appointment that day.
Authorities requested field sobriety testing.
The complaint says St John had trouble following instructions during testing.
He allegedly had balance issues during the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand tests.
A preliminary breath test showed a reading of 0.000, according to court records.
Pills Found In Vehicle
St John showed authorities an envelope he said contained Suboxone.
Authorities later found a zip-lock bag containing yellow pills in the driver’s door.
St John allegedly said the pills were gabapentin.
The complaint says 14 yellow pills were submitted into evidence.
St John was placed under arrest for DWI.
During transport to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, he allegedly said he would not submit to testing.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
The complaint says St John refused a blood test after being advised that refusal was a crime.
He also refused to answer when asked about a urine test.
Charges And Possible Penalties
The DWI refusal charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The child endangerment charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.378.
The legend drug charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 151.37.
The gross misdemeanor counts each carry up to 364 days in jail.
They also carry a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint lists a prior DWI conviction from January 2, 2020.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
St John 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.