Leonard: Kory Gunderson Faces Felony ATV Fleeing Charge

LEONARD (trfnews.i234.me) — Kory Luke Gunderson, 39, faces felony fleeing and misdemeanor DWI charges following an ATV pursuit in northern Minnesota.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, the incident occurred shortly after 1:20 a.m. on September 20, 2026.

Authorities allege Gunderson attempted to avoid a traffic stop while operating a 2021 Can-Am Defender side-by-side ATV.

The pursuit ended at a property near Leonard, Minnesota.

Investigators reported finding a handgun and empty beer bottles inside the ATV.

A later breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.09.

ATV Pursuit Begins Near Grange Road

According to the complaint, a Beltrami County deputy spotted a side-by-side ATV traveling along a trail.

The vehicle was near Grange Road NW and Centerline Road NW.

The deputy reported seeing the ATV accelerate and fail to stop at a stop sign.

The deputy activated emergency lights and a siren to initiate a traffic stop.

Investigators allege the ATV continued driving and increased its speed.

Authorities believed the driver was attempting to avoid police contact.

The pursuit eventually reached a property on Clearline Road near Leonard.

According to the complaint, the ATV entered an open shop on the property.

Driver Allegedly Resists Arrest

After the ATV stopped, the deputy informed the driver that he was under arrest.

The driver was instructed to follow commands so officers could place him in handcuffs.

According to the complaint, Gunderson refused commands and pulled away during the attempted arrest.

The deputy also reported smelling alcohol and observing bloodshot, watery eyes.

Additional deputies arrived and helped take Gunderson into custody.

Investigators identified the ATV as a 2021 Can-Am Defender.

During a search, deputies reported finding a handgun, empty beer bottles, and a possible mixed alcoholic drink.

The complaint does not allege a separate weapons offense.

Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.09

Gunderson was transported to the Beltrami County Jail following his arrest.

According to the complaint, he agreed to provide a breath sample after receiving time to consult an attorney.

The first testing attempt reportedly did not produce a valid result.

Investigators then obtained two valid samples.

The complaint states the resulting alcohol concentration was 0.09.

Minnesota generally prohibits driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.

The applicable law appears under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

Felony Fleeing and DWI Charges

Prosecutors charged Gunderson with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.487, subdivision 3.

A conviction can carry up to three years and one day in prison.

The felony also carries a possible fine of up to $5,000.

The second charge involves misdemeanor driving while impaired.

That offense carries a possible maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

These are possible penalties, not sentences imposed against Gunderson.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under file number 04-CR-26-2296.

The complaint lists prosecutor file number 0040093532 and investigative control number 26015256.

The document also includes an order of detention.

No hearing outcome, conviction, or sentence was included in the supplied complaint.

Gunderson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search Minnesota Court Records Online for available case information.

Additional records would be needed to confirm the current case status or final outcome.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.