Crookston Man Charged After .21 Breath Test

CROOKSTON (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man faces two impaired-driving charges following a June traffic stop.

Joseph James Greiner, 42, was charged in Polk County District Court.

The amended complaint was filed on June 30, 2026. The case number is 60-CR-26-841.

Greiner faces third-degree driving while impaired with an alcohol level of .16 or higher.

That count is a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

The charge carries a possible sentence of up to 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

Greiner also faces fourth-degree DWI for allegedly driving while under alcohol’s influence.

That misdemeanor carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.

Traffic Stop On North Broadway

The complaint alleges the incident happened shortly after midnight on June 19.

A Crookston police officer reportedly saw Greiner’s pickup traveling north on North Broadway.

The officer noticed a left turn signal remained active after the pickup changed lanes.

The pickup also allegedly had a broken upper brake light.

The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with Greiner.

The complaint alleges Greiner had slurred speech, watery eyes, and a flushed face.

The officer also reported smelling alcohol near the driver’s window.

Field Tests And Breath Sample

Greiner allegedly said he had recently left a bar.

He reportedly said his last drink was about 30 minutes earlier.

He also allegedly told the officer that he had consumed three drinks.

The complaint states Greiner completed several roadside balance tests.

The officer reported signs of impairment during each test.

Greiner allegedly swayed and struggled to follow several test instructions.

A roadside breath test did not produce a valid result.

Greiner was then arrested and taken to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

Authorities later administered an approved breath test at the facility.

The test allegedly recorded an alcohol concentration of .21 at 1:17 a.m.

Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired or with an unlawful alcohol concentration. The law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

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

The allegations remain unproven. Greiner is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.