Bemidji: Kristen Kingbird Charged With DWI Test Refusal

BEMIDJI (trfnews.i234.me) — Kristen Latoya Kingbird, 25, faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a late-night police encounter in Bemidji.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, officers found Kingbird unresponsive behind the steering wheel of a vehicle.

The incident occurred September 27, 2026, near Third Street Northwest.

Police reported a preliminary breath test reading of 0.16.

Investigators allege Kingbird later refused an evidentiary breath test at the Beltrami County Jail.

The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2378.

Police Find Woman Slumped Over Steering Wheel

According to the complaint, officers responded around 12:25 a.m. to a report of an unresponsive driver.

The vehicle was parked near 114 Third Street NW in Bemidji.

A caller reported seeing a woman slumped over the steering wheel.

When officers arrived, they found Kingbird alone in the driver’s seat.

Police knocked on the window but reportedly received no response.

Officers then opened the unlocked doors and removed the keys from the ignition.

According to the complaint, Kingbird eventually opened her eyes and responded to officers.

Investigators reported bloodshot, watery eyes, unclear speech, and a faint odor of alcohol inside the vehicle.

Preliminary Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.16

Officers asked Kingbird to exit the vehicle, but she reportedly refused several times.

According to the complaint, an officer eventually assisted her outside.

Police alleged Kingbird had difficulty standing and needed help maintaining her balance.

Officers then obtained a preliminary breath test sample.

The complaint reports a preliminary alcohol concentration reading of 0.16.

This was a roadside screening result, not a completed evidentiary breath test.

Kingbird was arrested and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.

Breath Test Refusal Alleged at Jail

At the jail, authorities read Kingbird the required breath test advisory.

According to the complaint, she indicated three times that she understood the advisory.

Investigators allege she refused to provide the requested breath sample.

When questioned, Kingbird reportedly said she did not want to take the test.

She also disputed having driven the vehicle.

The criminal complaint lists one gross misdemeanor charge of refusing a chemical breath test.

Minnesota DWI Refusal Law

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 2(1).

The law makes refusing a qualifying breath test a criminal offense.

Third-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

A gross misdemeanor conviction can carry up to 364 days in jail.

The maximum fine is $3,000.

These penalties are possible legal consequences, not a sentence imposed against Kingbird.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The complaint lists prosecutor file number BCI-0011264 and investigative control number 26018314.

The court document also includes an order of detention.

No scheduled hearing date, plea, or final ruling was included in the supplied complaint.

Kingbird is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search Minnesota Court Records Online for publicly available updates.

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

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.