Baudette (trfnews.i234.me) — A Baudette man is facing two gross misdemeanor DWI charges in Lake of the Woods County District Court.
Zakai Anthony Ivan Dahl is charged with third-degree driving while impaired.
He is also charged with third-degree DWI involving an alcohol concentration of .08 or more.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 39-CR-26-47.
Traffic Stop Near Highway 11
According to the complaint, the incident happened late April 1, 2026.
Law enforcement was patrolling on Highway 11 in Lake of the Woods County.
A 2002 Buick Park Avenue was seen traveling north on 25th Avenue.
The complaint says the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign.
Authorities reported the vehicle crossed railroad tracks without stopping.
The vehicle then turned east on Main Street West.
It later turned onto 4th Street without using a signal.
A traffic stop was initiated, and the vehicle slowly stopped on the road.
Beer Reported Inside Vehicle
The driver was identified as Zakai Anthony Ivan Dahl.
Authorities reported seeing a Blue Ribbon beer in the center console cup holder.
The complaint says the beer was cold to the touch.
Dahl allegedly said he was coming from a friend’s house.
He also allegedly stated that he had several beers.
Authorities reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from Dahl.
The complaint also noted bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech.
Dahl allegedly admitted that he did not stop at the stop signs.
Field Tests And Breath Results
Law enforcement asked Dahl to exit the vehicle for field sobriety testing.
The complaint says signs of impairment were seen during eye testing.
Dahl also allegedly lost his balance during the one-legged-stand test.
Authorities reported that he put his foot down several times.
The complaint says Dahl stated he knew he had too much to drink.
During the walk-and-turn test, Dahl allegedly stepped off the line.
He also allegedly failed to make heel-to-toe contact.
A preliminary breath test showed a reported .212 alcohol concentration.
Dahl was then placed under arrest for DWI.
At the Lake of the Woods County Jail, Dahl agreed to a breath test.
The complaint says two samples showed 0.192 and 0.200.
The final reported alcohol concentration was 0.19.
Charges Filed
The DWI counts are listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
Each gross misdemeanor count carries up to 364 days in jail.
Each also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
Dahl 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.
