Crookston Man Charged In Interlock Case
Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Joseph Michael Tuseth is facing two gross misdemeanor charges in Polk County District Court.
The charges follow a May 19, 2026, traffic stop in Crookston. Court records list the case number as 60-CR-26-686.
Traffic Stop On U.S. Highway 2
According to the complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper saw a red Chevrolet Blazer on East Robert Street.
The vehicle was later seen westbound on U.S. Highway 2 near the U.S. 75 bypass.
The complaint says radar showed the vehicle going 70 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Authorities said the driver was identified as Joseph Michael Tuseth by a North Dakota driver’s license.
The complaint states Tuseth had a suspended North Dakota license. It also says his Minnesota driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety.
Authorities also said Tuseth had an ignition interlock restriction on his Minnesota license.
Joseph Michael Tuseth
Two Gross Misdemeanor Charges Filed
Tuseth is charged with driving without a required ignition interlock device.
That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.09.
He is also charged with gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation.
That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. Each charge also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
The complaint says the Chevrolet Blazer did not have a working ignition interlock device.
Tuseth allegedly told the trooper he did not know about his driving status. He also allegedly said he did not know about the interlock rule.
Authorities said Tuseth gave consent to search the vehicle. The complaint says a small amount of cannabis was found.
Court Case Remains Pending
The complaint includes a list of prior convictions found through Minnesota court records.
Court records and public case information may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Information about Minnesota’s ignition interlock program is available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
The charges are allegations. Tuseth is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.