International Falls Man Charged In Interlock Case
Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) – An International Falls man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after a traffic stop in Pennington County.
Zachary William Wood, 42, of International Falls, has been charged in Pennington County District Court. The case was filed under court number 57-CR-26-295.
The charge accuses Wood of driving a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device. Prosecutors say Wood held a restricted license under Minnesota law.
Traffic Stop Reported Near Center Street East
According to the criminal complaint, the stop happened on April 29, 2026. It occurred around 4:04 p.m. near Center Street East and 110th Avenue Northeast.
A Minnesota State Patrol trooper reported seeing a vehicle traveling at a high speed. Radar later showed the vehicle was going 69 miles per hour.
The posted speed limit in that area was 60 miles per hour, according to the complaint. The trooper then stopped the vehicle.
Complaint Alleges Interlock Violation
The driver was identified as Zachary William Wood. Court documents say a driving status check showed an ignition interlock restriction.
The complaint says Wood was asked whether the vehicle had an interlock device. He allegedly said the vehicle did not have one.
Wood was then placed under arrest, according to the complaint.
Under Minnesota Statute 171.09, some restricted drivers may not operate a vehicle without a working ignition interlock device.
The state’s ignition interlock law covers devices used to prevent a vehicle from starting after alcohol is detected.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
The charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor. The maximum sentence is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint also lists past DWI-related convictions. Those include a 2009 gross misdemeanor refusal case and a 2008 gross misdemeanor DWI case.
A criminal complaint is an allegation. Wood is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
