Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — Christopher Andrew Brein, 22, of Cohasset, is facing three charges after a May 1 traffic stop in Beltrami County.
Court records say Brein was charged in Beltrami County District Court with second-degree DWI test refusal, third-degree DWI, and driving after revocation.
The charges stem from an incident reported at about 9:40 p.m. near 5804 Cardinal Road NW in the Bemidji area.
Report Of Vehicle Taken Without Permission
According to the complaint, deputies responded after a red Chevrolet pickup was reported taken without permission.
The complaint says the driver was believed to be impaired. It also says property damage was reported at the first scene.
A deputy later saw a vehicle matching the description enter Elpine Village Mobile Home Park.
The complaint says the pickup had a broken passenger-side window. It also made a loud exhaust noise while entering the park.
Authorities confirmed the vehicle matched the reported pickup. A traffic stop was then started near lot five.
Signs Of Impairment Alleged
Court records say Brein was the only person in the vehicle.
The complaint alleges Brein smelled strongly of alcohol. It also says his eyes were watery and his speech was slurred.
Brein allegedly told the deputy he was “drunk.” He also said he had been at the Cardinal Road location before the stop.
Investigators say Brein agreed to field sobriety tests. The complaint says signs of impairment were observed during those tests.
A portable breath test allegedly showed a reading of .203.
Testing Later Stopped At Jail
Brein was arrested for DWI and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
The complaint alleges Brein became aggressive during transport and at the jail.
Authorities say he was later placed in a restraint chair after becoming uncooperative with jail staff.
In the testing room, Brein was read the breath test advisory. He said he understood it and asked to speak with an attorney.
The complaint says testing was later stopped due to Brein’s conduct. Authorities then considered the incident a test refusal.
Prior DWI Cited In Complaint
Court records say Brein had a prior DWI conviction from December 10, 2024, in Beltrami County.
The complaint also says his driver’s license was revoked at the time of the May 1 incident.
Second-degree DWI test refusal is listed as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The DWI count is also tied to Minnesota’s impaired driving laws. Driving after revocation is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Each gross misdemeanor DWI count carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Brein is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.