Perham Man Charged in Becker County DWI Case

BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Perham man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a roadside encounter in Becker County.

Samuel Steven Pikula, 26, was charged in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District Court. The case was filed under court number 03-CR-26-1065.

The charge stems from an incident on May 30, 2026. Court records say Pikula was found inside a vehicle along U.S. Highway 59.

Driver Found Slumped in Vehicle

According to the complaint, White Earth Tribal Police officers noticed a stopped vehicle with its hazard lights on.

An officer approached and saw Pikula slumped over in the driver’s seat. He was the only person inside the vehicle.

The officer knocked on the window several times. Pikula then opened his eyes and spoke briefly in Spanish.

The complaint says Pikula later switched to English. He reportedly said he had been joking with the officer.

Police reported that Pikula had slurred speech. They also noticed an alcohol odor and beer in the back seat.

Samuel Steven Pikula

Pikula told officers he had consumed alcohol earlier that day, according to the criminal complaint.

Police asked him to provide a preliminary breath sample. The complaint lists the reported result as 0.192.

Officers arrested Pikula and transported him to jail. A judge later approved a search warrant for a urine sample.

The urine sample was sent for testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Prosecutors charged Pikula under Minnesota’s driving while impaired law.

The complaint also cites Minnesota Statute 169A.26, which covers third-degree DWI.

Authorities allege one aggravating factor was present. The complaint identifies a prior DWI conviction within ten years.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Pikula is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. A criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish guilt.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.