Mahnomen: Buddy Bunker Faces SUV Theft, DWI Charges

MAHNOMEN, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Buddy Adam Bunker, 33, faces three criminal charges following an October 1, 2026, incident in Mahnomen County.

Prosecutors allege Bunker took a Ford Expedition without permission from the Shooting Star Casino parking lot.

He also faces two impaired-driving charges after investigators reported a breath alcohol concentration of 0.20.

The allegations appear in a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court.

SUV Reported Stolen From Shooting Star Casino

According to the complaint, White Earth Tribal Police responded to Shooting Star Casino around 1:32 a.m.

Casino security reported that two women had reported a vehicle stolen from the parking lot.

Investigators reviewed security footage showing a man wearing a gray shirt approaching a white Ford Expedition.

The video allegedly showed the man entering the driver’s side and leaving the casino property.

Casino security identified the man as Buddy Adam Bunker.

An officer compared the footage with a photograph of Bunker and reported that the images matched.

Ashley Florence Stone told investigators the vehicle belonged to her fiancé’s mother, Rita Jane Aune.

Aune reportedly confirmed that only Stone and her son, Roy Olvan Aune, had permission to use the SUV.

Roy Aune also told investigators that approximately $1,000 worth of tools were inside the vehicle.

Police Locate Vehicle in Naytahwaush

At approximately 1:50 a.m., officers located the Ford Expedition outside a residence in Naytahwaush.

The complaint states that the vehicle’s interior dome light was still illuminated.

Officers confirmed the vehicle’s identity using its Minnesota license plate.

Police called for Bunker to leave the residence. He eventually came outside and was detained.

After receiving his Miranda rights, Bunker reportedly said he did not know who owned the SUV.

He also told investigators that the keys were inside the vehicle.

Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.20 Alcohol Level

While speaking with Bunker, investigators reported smelling alcohol on his breath.

They also noted bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, poor balance, and difficulty following directions.

According to the complaint, Bunker initially gave different answers about when he last consumed alcohol.

He denied drinking after arriving at the residence.

A preliminary breath test reportedly produced a reading of 0.203.

Police arrested Bunker and transported him to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.

A later breath test, administered at 3:23 a.m., reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.20.

That reading is more than twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of 0.08.

The complaint also cites a previous gross misdemeanor DWI conviction in case 11-CR-19-468.

Three Criminal Charges Filed Against Bunker

Bunker faces one felony and two additional impaired-driving charges in Mahnomen County District Court.

Count 1: Felony motor vehicle theft for allegedly taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.52.

Count 2: Gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI involving two alleged aggravating factors.

Prosecutors cite the reported 0.20 alcohol reading and Bunker’s previous DWI conviction.

Second-degree DWI is covered by Minnesota Statute 169A.25.

Count 3: Misdemeanor driving while impaired by alcohol under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

Court Case Information

The criminal complaint lists court file number 44-CR-26-604.

The case is assigned to Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court in Mahnomen County.

The supplied complaint does not establish a final case outcome.

Readers can search for available court updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges remain allegations. Bunker is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.