Karlstad Man Charged In Highway 59 DWI Case

The case was filed in Kittson County District Court. Hicks is charged with second-degree DWI, third-degree DWI, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

The charges stem from an incident on May 23, 2026. Court records say dispatch received an anonymous report around 5:05 p.m.

The caller reported a white Ford F-150 heading north from the Karlstad area. The caller also said the driver appeared drunk.

According to the complaint, the caller claimed Hicks had consumed about a 12-pack of beer before driving.

Highway 59 Traffic Stop

A Kittson County deputy later saw a white Ford F-150 northbound on Highway 59. The vehicle was stopped near 220th Street.

The complaint says the truck’s registration had expired in March 2026. Court records say Hicks was alone in the driver’s seat.

Authorities said Hicks had watery and bloodshot eyes. Another deputy also reported smelling alcohol while speaking with him.

Breath Test Allegations

The complaint says Hicks denied drinking at first. He later allegedly said he had two Miller Lite beers.

Deputies conducted several field sobriety tests. Court records say Hicks showed signs of impairment during the tests.

A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a 0.186 blood alcohol concentration. Hicks was then arrested for driving while impaired.

At the Kittson County Jail, Hicks agreed to provide another breath sample. The complaint says the test showed a 0.17 BAC at 6:16 p.m.

Minnesota law sets the general legal alcohol limit at 0.08. More information is available through the Minnesota DWI statute.

Charges Filed In Court

Hicks is charged with second-degree DWI involving two aggravating factors. He is also charged with third-degree DWI involving one aggravating factor.

Both DWI charges are gross misdemeanors. Each carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Hicks also faces a misdemeanor charge for allegedly operating an unregistered vehicle. That charge carries up to 90 days in jail.

Court records also list a prior DWI-related conviction from July 23, 2020, in Kittson County.

The complaint contains allegations only. Hicks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.