Clay County DWI Case Filed Against Ohio Man

Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Columbus, Ohio, man is facing DWI charges in Clay County after authorities say he was involved in a crash and refused chemical testing.

Driver Accused After July Crash

According to court documents, Michael Lyn York, 58, is charged in Clay County District Court with two gross misdemeanor DWI offenses.

The charges include second-degree DWI for refusing a chemical breath test and third-degree DWI for allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District Court. The complaint states the alleged offenses happened on July 5, 2026.

Court records show the charges carry possible penalties of up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $3,000.

Crash Report Leads to Traffic Stop

The criminal complaint states that a vehicle was reported as a possible impaired driver after it rear-ended another vehicle in Clay County.

The caller told authorities the driver stopped and exchanged information after the crash.

The caller also reported the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A beer can was reportedly seen inside the vehicle.

Authorities say the vehicle was later observed weaving before a traffic stop was conducted.

The driver was identified as Michael Lyn York. The complaint states that York admitted he had been involved in a crash.

However, he denied drinking alcohol or using drugs that day, according to the complaint.

Booking photo of Michael Lyn York. Image from court or law enforcement records.

Testing Refused, Court Case Filed

The complaint states officers reported signs of possible alcohol impairment, including the smell of alcohol and bloodshot, watery eyes.

According to court documents, York performed poorly on some field sobriety tests.

The complaint states he refused a one-leg stand test and refused a preliminary breath test.

After his arrest, York was taken to the Clay County Jail.

Authorities say he was given a breath test advisory but refused the official breath test.

The complaint also states York had a previous DUI conviction in Columbia, Ohio, in 2018.

Charges Remain Allegations

The charges against Michael Lyn York are allegations contained in a criminal complaint.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case remains pending in Clay County District Court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.