Bemidji Woman Faces Felony Fleeing, DWI Charges
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Hailey Shada Eickhorst faces four charges after an early morning incident in Bemidji.
Prosecutors charged Eickhorst with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
She also faces gross misdemeanor charges for obstruction and refusing a court-ordered chemical test.
A fourth count alleges misdemeanor possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
The alleged incident happened on August 19, 2026.
Reckless Vehicle Reported
Law enforcement received a reckless driving report around 1:28 a.m., according to the criminal complaint.
The caller reported a vehicle traveling about 10 mph in a 35 mph zone.
The vehicle was also reportedly swerving across the roadway.
Authorities located a dark Chevrolet SUV near Paul Bunyan Drive and Bemidji Avenue North.
The SUV was stopped in the intersection, according to the complaint.
Investigators reported seeing Eickhorst slumped over behind the steering wheel.
An officer approached the locked vehicle and attempted to wake her.
The complaint says Eickhorst woke and looked toward law enforcement.
She then allegedly began driving away despite commands to stop.
SUV Allegedly Strikes Traffic Device
Prosecutors say Eickhorst drove in a circle within the intersection.
The SUV then allegedly struck a traffic control device or light pole.
Another patrol vehicle arrived and blocked the SUV.
Authorities repeatedly ordered Eickhorst to exit, according to the complaint.
She allegedly remained inside the locked vehicle and refused the commands.
Police then broke a passenger window to gain access.
The complaint alleges Eickhorst resisted as officers removed her from the SUV.
Authorities reported smelling alcohol after she was removed.
They also reported seeing an open alcohol container in the center console.
Chemical Test Refusal Alleged
Eickhorst was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The complaint says a preliminary breath test produced a reading of .17.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
Eickhorst was told that refusing the court-ordered test was a crime.
Prosecutors allege she refused to provide either sample.
Four Charges Filed
Felony fleeing is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.487.
The charge carries up to three years and one day in prison.
It also carries a possible $5,000 fine.
The obstruction charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.50.
Chemical test refusal is covered by Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The open-bottle law is found under Minnesota Statute 169A.35.
The court file number is 04-CR-26-1975.
Public records are available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The complaint contains allegations and does not establish Eickhorst’s guilt.
Eickhorst is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.