East Grand Forks DWI Case: 0.17 Breath Test

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Jaxon Wendell Sands is facing two gross misdemeanor DWI charges in Polk County District Court.

The case was filed on May 26, 2026, in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. The court file number is 60-CR-26-702.

Sands, of Alvarado, is charged with third-degree driving while impaired. One count alleges driving under the influence of alcohol. A second count alleges driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.

Both charges are listed as gross misdemeanors. Minnesota law says third-degree DWI applies when one aggravating factor is present. More information is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Traffic Stop In East Grand Forks

According to the criminal complaint, the stop happened early May 24, 2026.

Police said a gray 2021 Ford F-150 was seen driving north on Demers Avenue. The complaint says the vehicle crossed the center line several times.

Authorities also said the vehicle weaved within its lane. Police reported that it nearly struck a highway median after overcorrecting.

The complaint says officers activated emergency lights. The vehicle allegedly took about 50 seconds to stop.

Sands was identified through a Minnesota driver’s license. Police said they noticed slurred speech while speaking with him.

Mugshot of Jaxon Wendell Sands — Jaxon Wendell Sands

Breath Test Allegations

The complaint says Sands denied drinking alcohol that night. Police then asked him to perform field sobriety tests.

Authorities reported several signs of impairment during those tests. They included balance issues, bloodshot eyes, and watery eyes.

Police said a preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.183 BrAC. Sands was then arrested on suspicion of DWI.

At the East Grand Forks Police Department, Sands agreed to provide a breath sample. The complaint says a DMT-G breath test showed 0.17 BrAC.

The complaint also says multiple open cans of Busch Light Apple were later found in the vehicle.

Court Case Continues

Court records say Sands was cited for third-degree driving while impaired. A review of his driving record showed no prior alcohol-related convictions.

The charges remain allegations at this stage. Sands is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Public case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online. Polk County District Court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.