Perham Man Charged After Highway 59 Traffic Stop

BECKER COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 65-year-old Perham man faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a traffic stop on Highway 59.

Scott James Brunell is accused of driving despite having his Minnesota driving privileges canceled as inimical to public safety.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court, the incident occurred August 21, 2026.

A Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped Brunell after reportedly observing his vehicle cross a roadway line twice.

Trooper Notices Vehicle Swerving on Highway 59

The investigation began when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was traveling southbound on Highway 59 in Becker County.

According to court documents, the trooper observed a vehicle ahead crossing the white roadway line.

The complaint states the vehicle swerved over the line twice.

Based on those observations, the trooper initiated a traffic stop.

The supplied complaint does not identify the exact mile marker or intersection where the stop occurred.

Driver Tells Trooper About Previous DWI

During the stop, the trooper contacted the driver and requested identification.

The driver was identified through a Minnesota identification card as Scott James Brunell of Perham.

According to the complaint, Brunell acknowledged that he had not held a valid driver’s license for some time.

He reportedly explained that his driving privileges were affected by a previous DWI.

The trooper then checked Brunell’s Minnesota driving status.

Records reportedly showed his license had been canceled as inimical to public safety.

Brunell was arrested and transported to jail following the records check.

What Does Inimical to Public Safety Mean?

Minnesota law allows the state to cancel certain driving privileges when a driver is considered a public safety risk.

This status can result from qualifying impaired driving offenses or other circumstances specified under state law.

Drivers with this designation cannot legally operate vehicles requiring a driver’s license unless their driving privileges are restored.

Driving after cancellation can result in criminal penalties.

Under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5, the offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor.

More information is available through Minnesota’s driving after cancellation statute.

Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Brunell with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.

The complaint alleges Brunell operated a vehicle while knowing, or having reason to know, his driving privileges were canceled.

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

Those penalties represent the maximum punishment allowed under the statute, not a sentence imposed in this case.

The complaint does not list a new DWI charge arising from the August 21 traffic stop.

It also does not provide details about Brunell’s previous DWI case or when his license was canceled.

Becker County Court Proceedings

The case is filed in Becker County District Court within Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

The court file number is 03-CR-26-1757.

The prosecutor’s file number is 0030033839.

The criminal complaint was issued as a summons.

The supplied documents do not identify a scheduled court appearance or final case outcome.

Additional information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Information about Minnesota driving privileges is also available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services.

The charge remains an allegation. Brunell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.