Detroit Lakes: Jason Pierce Charged With Felony DWI

DETROIT LAKES, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Minneapolis man faces a felony driving while impaired charge following a traffic stop near Detroit Lakes.

Jason Kenneth Pierce, 56, was charged in Becker County District Court after an October 2 driving complaint.

Authorities received reports of a white van traveling erratically along westbound Highway 10.

A state trooper later located the vehicle and stopped Pierce just west of Detroit Lakes.

Driving Complaint Reported on Highway 10

According to court records, the incident began during the afternoon of October 2.

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper heard a dispatch report involving a white van traveling westbound on Highway 10.

The caller described the van as driving erratically and reported that it entered the median at one point.

The trooper located a vehicle matching that description and began observing its movement.

During a short period, the trooper reportedly saw the van cross the center line multiple times.

The trooper then conducted a traffic stop just west of Detroit Lakes.

Police identified the driver as Jason Kenneth Pierce of Minneapolis.

During the stop, Pierce told the trooper he was tired and traveling toward Fargo, North Dakota.

According to court documents, the trooper observed signs suggesting Pierce might be impaired.

The supplied report does not identify the specific signs observed during the encounter.

Authorities continued their investigation and obtained a search warrant for a blood sample.

Pierce was transported to a hospital, where a blood sample was collected.

He was then taken to jail.

The available report does not provide toxicology results or identify any substance allegedly involved.

On October 5, the court established three bail and bond options for Pierce.

The court set bail or bond without conditions at $40,000.

Bond with conditions was set at $20,000.

The court also established a $2,000 bail option with conditions.

According to court records, Pierce posted $2,000 bail that same day and was released from custody.

The supplied information does not identify the specific conditions attached to his release.

Minnesota law classifies certain repeat or otherwise qualifying impaired driving offenses as felonies.

First-degree DWI is covered under Minnesota Statute 169A.24.

A conviction for that offense can carry up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

The supplied report identifies Pierce’s charge as felony DWI but does not specify his qualifying circumstances.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 169A.24 for further details.

Pierce is scheduled to appear in Becker County District Court on November 2.

The hearing is scheduled before District Judge Michael Fritz.

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

The felony charge remains an allegation, and Pierce is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.