Crookston Man Faces DWI Charge After Refusing Drug Test

CROOKSTON, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Michael Garza, 44, faces two criminal charges following a September 19, 2026, traffic stop in Crookston.

According to a Polk County criminal complaint, Garza allegedly refused a court-ordered blood or urine test.

Police also reported finding suspected marijuana and smoking items inside his vehicle.

Prosecutors charged Garza with second-degree DWI test refusal and driving after revocation.

Police Spot Driver With Revoked License

The investigation began when a Crookston police officer observed a blue Kia Spectra traveling south on Barrette Street.

The vehicle then turned west onto Central Avenue North.

According to the complaint, the officer recognized the driver as Michael Garza.

The officer knew from previous contacts that Garza had a revoked Minnesota driver’s license.

A records check confirmed his driving privileges remained revoked.

Police stopped the vehicle on Summit Avenue near Victoria Street.

Officer Reports Marijuana Odor

During the stop, the officer reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The officer also noticed Garza had watery eyes and that the vehicle’s windshield was cracked.

When questioned about marijuana use, Garza reportedly said he had smoked earlier.

Police ordered Garza to exit the vehicle.

According to the complaint, Garza began using his phone despite being told he could make a call later.

Officers arrested him for driving after revocation.

During questioning, Garza reportedly acknowledged being high and said he had smoked before the traffic stop.

Garza declined to complete field sobriety testing.

Suspected Marijuana Found in Vehicle

Police searched the Kia following Garza’s arrest.

According to the complaint, officers found suspected marijuana inside a backpack near the driver’s floorboard.

They also reported finding two marijuana grinders in the backpack.

A pipe containing suspected burned marijuana residue was located in the driver’s door.

Officers also discovered what appeared to be a previously smoked marijuana joint inside the dashboard ashtray.

The supplied complaint does not list a separate marijuana possession charge.

Garza Allegedly Refuses Court-Ordered Test

Garza was transported to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Police returned to the facility around 6:48 p.m. to execute the warrant.

According to the complaint, Garza questioned whether his attorney was present.

The officer explained that Garza could choose between providing blood or urine.

Garza reportedly refused and again asked about his attorney.

The officer warned that refusing the court-ordered test was a crime.

Garza allegedly maintained his refusal despite that warning.

Previous DWI Convictions Listed

Investigators reviewed Garza’s driving history and identified three previous DWI convictions.

According to the complaint, two qualifying convictions occurred within the previous ten years.

Those convictions are cited as aggravating factors supporting the second-degree DWI charge.

Two Criminal Charges Filed

Garza faces a gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI test refusal charge under Minnesota Statute 169A.25.

He also faces misdemeanor driving after revocation under Minnesota Statute 171.24.

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

The driving after revocation charge carries up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The amended complaint was filed September 21, 2026, under Polk County Court File No. 60-CR-26-1382.

Readers can search additional information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The new charges remain allegations. Garza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.