Bemidji Man Charged With Cannabis DWI After Traffic Stop

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 21-year-old Bemidji man faces two misdemeanor charges following a late-night traffic stop in Beltrami County.

Lavontae Thomas Curry has been charged with driving under the influence of cannabis and driving after revocation.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, the incident occurred on August 18, 2026.

The charges followed a traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and a blood test that detected THC.

Traffic Stop Begins With Vehicle Violations

The complaint states that a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy was monitoring traffic around 10:38 p.m.

The deputy noticed a dark-colored Chrysler traveling northbound on Roosevelt Road Southeast.

According to court documents, the vehicle had a defective license plate light and a loud exhaust.

The deputy stopped the Chrysler near New Strand Road Southeast.

During the stop, the deputy reported noticing several possible signs of impairment.

These included slurred speech, red and glassy eyes, and a sluggish appearance.

The complaint states Curry struggled while providing his name and date of birth.

Curry also told the deputy he did not have a Minnesota driver’s license.

A records check reportedly confirmed that his driving privileges had been revoked.

Field Sobriety Tests Raise Concerns

The deputy noticed a clear plastic cup containing liquid and ice inside the vehicle.

When questioned about the drink, Curry reportedly said he did not know what it contained.

The deputy suspected possible impairment and asked Curry to complete field sobriety tests.

According to the complaint, Curry agreed.

During testing, the deputy reported problems with Curry’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions.

The complaint states Curry nearly fell several times during the walk-and-turn test.

He also reportedly swayed and used his arms for balance during the one-leg stand test.

A preliminary breath test registered no alcohol.

Curry Reportedly Admitted Marijuana Use

After the tests, the deputy asked Curry whether he had used any substances that could affect his driving.

Curry reportedly admitted smoking “a joint or two” before going to work that evening.

He also acknowledged that marijuana would likely appear in a blood or urine test.

Based on the observations and statements, the deputy arrested Curry on suspicion of impaired driving.

Authorities transported him to a Bemidji emergency room for further testing.

Blood Test Detects THC

A judge approved a search warrant to obtain a blood or urine sample.

At approximately 12:42 a.m. on August 19, Curry was presented with the warrant.

According to the complaint, Curry agreed to provide a blood sample.

Analysis by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified three cannabis-related compounds.

Delta-9-THC: 15.9 nanograms per milliliter
Hydroxy-THC: 5.1 nanograms per milliliter
Carboxy-THC: 220 nanograms per milliliter

THC is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

However, blood THC levels alone do not establish a specific level of driving impairment.

The prosecution’s allegations also rely on the deputy’s reported observations and Curry’s statements.

Two Misdemeanor Charges Filed

Prosecutors filed two misdemeanor counts against Curry in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The first charge alleges driving under the influence of cannabis under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(8).

The second charge alleges driving after revocation under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 2(a).

Each offense carries a maximum possible penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not a sentence imposed in this case.

Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired driving law and driving after revocation law.

Beltrami County Court Case

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-2388.

The criminal complaint outlines the deputy’s observations, Curry’s reported statements, and the laboratory findings.

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

The complaint does not establish that Curry was legally impaired or guilty of either offense.

Curry is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.