Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing several charges after an alleged pursuit that ended near the river.
Harlan Robert Osborn, 23, has been charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
He also faces gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI test refusal.
Additional charges include misdemeanor driving after revocation.
He is also charged with fleeing an officer by means other than a motor vehicle.
Vehicle Allegedly Seen Without Headlights
The incident began on April 25 at about 9:51 p.m.
According to the complaint, the sheriff’s office saw a vehicle on Highway 59.
The vehicle allegedly did not have its headlights on.
Authorities said Osborn continued driving and later stopped in a McDonald’s drive-through lane.
When law enforcement approached the vehicle, Osborn allegedly drove away.
The complaint says he drove through the Circle K parking lot.
He then allegedly continued onto First Street.
Authorities later located the vehicle in a driveway at 132 Oak Avenue North.
Harlan Robert Osborn booking photo.
Complaint Says Osborn Ran Toward River
The complaint says law enforcement conducted a felony traffic stop.
Osborn was ordered to show his hands, according to the complaint.
He then allegedly ran behind a home and ignored commands.
Authorities said he jumped into the river.
He allegedly ignored more commands to swim back.
Police later arrested him after he reached the other side.
Impairment Allegations Listed
Authorities reported signs of impairment during the incident.
The complaint says Osborn refused field sobriety testing.
Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly found alcohol containers.
Those items included two jars of Midnight Moon Moonshine.
They also allegedly found an empty Busch Light case.
A partly full container of E & J Apple Brandy was also reported.
Osborn underwent a breath test at the Law Enforcement Center.
The complaint says he did not complete the test.
He was later taken to Sanford Medical Center for medical clearance.
The complaint says law enforcement believed his blood alcohol level was high.
Prior DWI History Cited
The complaint states Osborn has two prior DWI convictions.
Those convictions are listed from December 2022 to January 2025.
Readers can review Minnesota’s fleeing law through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Minnesota DWI laws are also available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Court information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
All charges are allegations.
Osborn is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.