Cass Lake Man Charged After Chase, .18 BAC

CASS LAKE, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake man faces two criminal charges after an alleged police pursuit on July 3.

James Kevin Leecy is charged in Cass County District Court with felony fleeing and gross misdemeanor DWI.

Truck Allegedly Sped Away

The complaint says a deputy was parked near the Sanford Clinic around 1:51 a.m.

The deputy allegedly saw a Chevrolet Silverado stop near Grant Utley Avenue and Second Street.

Court records say the driver then spun the truck’s tires, creating smoke in the roadway.

The deputy activated emergency lights and tried to stop the truck.

Investigators allege the truck accelerated and continued through several turns on Cass Lake streets.

The pursuit ended when the truck entered a driveway on First Street Northwest.

Authorities identified the driver as Leecy.

The complaint says the deputy smelled alcohol after approaching the truck.

Leecy allegedly had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and watery eyes.

He reportedly said he had not consumed much alcohol that night.

He also described the tire spinning as a poor decision, according to the complaint.

Leecy allegedly refused field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test.

He was then taken to the Cass County Law Enforcement Center.

After speaking with an attorney, Leecy completed an evidentiary breath test.

The complaint says that test showed an alcohol concentration of .18.

The felony fleeing charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.487.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and one day.

It also carries a possible $5,000 fine.

The complaint lists a .16 or higher alcohol level as an aggravating factor.

That count is charged as third-degree DWI under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

It carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

Leecy has not been convicted. The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.