Newfolden Traffic Stop Leads to .18 DWI Charge

NEWFOLDEN (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a traffic stop near Newfolden.

Eric Fox, 47, was arrested early September 24, 2026, following a report about dangerous driving on U.S. Highway 59.

According to a Marshall County criminal complaint, an evidentiary breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of 0.18.

Caller Reports Pickup Swerving on Highway 59

Around 4:37 a.m., dispatch received a complaint about a white Ford pickup traveling south north of Newfolden.

The caller reported that the pickup changed speeds, swerved, and crossed into oncoming traffic.

A deputy heading north approached Highway 59 near 240th Street and noticed another vehicle flashing its headlights.

The deputy then saw the reported pickup swerve to avoid a collision with a semitrailer, the complaint states.

After recognizing the pickup, the deputy turned around and followed it.

The deputy said the truck continued weaving within its lane before being pulled over.

The driver was identified as Fox, who appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open, according to the complaint.

The deputy also reported bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol.

Fox reportedly said he had consumed a couple of beers, with his last drink around 5:45 p.m.

When asked the time, Fox estimated it was around 7 p.m.

The deputy told him it was 4:58 a.m., and Fox expressed surprise that it was morning.

During field sobriety checks, the deputy reported signs of possible impairment in Fox’s eye movements.

Fox also struggled with balance while receiving instructions for a walking test, the complaint states.

He expressed concern about falling, so the deputy moved to another test.

Fox then reportedly suggested the deputy take him to jail.

A roadside preliminary breath test reportedly returned an alcohol concentration of 0.207.

Fox was arrested and taken to the Pennington County Law Enforcement Center.

After a breath test advisory, he submitted to an evidentiary breath test.

That test registered 0.18, according to the complaint.

Deputies then transported Fox to the Marshall County Jail.

Fox faces one gross misdemeanor count of second-degree driving while impaired under Minnesota Statute 169A.25.

The complaint cites the 0.18 result and a previous DWI conviction from March 2026.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Information about Minnesota’s impaired driving laws is available through the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.

The case is filed in Marshall County District Court as 45-CR-26-281.

Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The complaint does not report a crash or injuries.

These are allegations, and Fox is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.