Longville Stop Leads to Two Felony DWI Charges

LONGVILLE, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Joshua Ford Hess faces two felony DWI charges following an incident outside a Longville liquor store.

The charges were filed in Cass County District Court. The case number is 11-CR-26-796.

Deputy Finds Driver in Running Truck

Court records say a deputy responded around 9:20 a.m. on June 7, 2026. The call involved a man sleeping inside a running truck.

The gray Toyota Tundra was parked outside the Longville Bottle Shop. Hess was reportedly alone in the driver’s seat.

The complaint says the deputy knocked several times without getting a response. The deputy then opened the door because of health concerns.

Hess woke after the deputy used a sternum rub. The complaint says he smelled strongly of alcohol.

An open alcoholic drink was also seen in the center console, according to the filing.

Hess allegedly had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor balance. He reportedly stumbled near the truck after leaving the driver’s seat.

The complaint says Hess first declined field sobriety testing. He later agreed to an eye movement test.

The deputy reported signs commonly linked to impairment during that test. Further physical tests were not attempted because of flight concerns.

Hess also declined a preliminary breath test, according to the complaint.

Hess was taken to the Cass County Law Enforcement Center. Authorities then read him Minnesota’s breath test advisory.

The filing says Hess tried to contact an attorney. He later left the calling room and said he was finished calling.

Authorities repeatedly asked whether he would take a breath test. Hess allegedly discussed other matters without answering that question.

The testing process was ended due to refusal. The complaint says the delay was considered unreasonable.

Store video reportedly showed Hess arriving in the truck alone. Prosecutors also said his license was canceled as inimical to public safety.

Hess is charged under Minnesota’s driving while impaired law.

He faces felony test refusal and felony DWI charges. Each felony carries a possible seven-year sentence and a $14,000 fine.

Those penalties are listed under Minnesota’s first-degree DWI statute.

Hess also faces a gross misdemeanor driving-after-cancellation charge. That count carries up to 364 days in jail.

It also carries a possible $3,000 fine. Minnesota’s license law is available through the Revisor of Statutes.

Prosecutors listed three prior impaired-driving convictions from 2016, 2017, and 2025. Those convictions were cited to support the felony charges.

The charges are allegations. Hess is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Public case information may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.