Walker DWI Charge Follows Crash, .27 Test
WALKER, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Virginia man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge in Cass County.
The charge follows a reported ditch crash near Walker early Thursday, June 18, 2026.
John Daniel Leighton, 37, of Richmond, Virginia, is named in the court complaint. Prosecutors charged him with driving while impaired.
The complaint cites an alcohol level of 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving. The case was filed in Cass County District Court.
Driving Complaint Reported
Dispatch received a driving complaint at about 2:22 a.m., according to the filing. The vehicle reportedly left the Northern Lights Casino parking lot.
The caller said the vehicle struck a curb and went through a red light. Minutes later, Leighton called 911 and reported crashing into a ditch.
A responding deputy found the vehicle near County Road 46. The vehicle was in the northbound ditch and faced south.
The complaint states Leighton came from the driver’s seat. He waved down the deputy and said he had driven too fast.
John Daniel Leighton
Breath Test Results Listed
The deputy reported smelling alcohol while speaking with Leighton. Leighton allegedly said he drank two India Pale Ales at the casino.
He then completed field sobriety tests, the complaint states. The deputy reported signs of alcohol impairment during those tests.
A preliminary breath test allegedly showed an alcohol concentration of .226. A later evidentiary breath test allegedly showed .27 at 3:16 a.m.
Minnesota law bars driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. The law covers results measured within two hours.
Readers can review Minnesota Statute 169A.20 for the DWI rules.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge
The complaint lists the offense as a gross misdemeanor. A conviction could bring up to 364 days in jail.
The listed maximum fine is $3,000. Minnesota Statute 169A.26 covers third-degree DWI penalties.
The case is filed under court number 11-CR-26-882. Case information may be available through the Cass County District Court.
The charge is an allegation. Leighton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.