Mahnomen County: 9 MPH Drive Leads to 0.22 DWI Charge

MAHNOMEN COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man faces a gross-misdemeanor DWI charge following a traffic stop on Highway 59.

Clinton Wayne Manning Jr., 29, was arrested after a state trooper found his vehicle traveling only 9 mph.

According to the criminal complaint, the vehicle had a flat tire and its hazard lights were flashing.

A later breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.22, nearly three times Minnesota’s general legal limit.

Trooper Spots Vehicle Traveling 9 MPH

The incident occurred September 15, 2026, at approximately 9:22 p.m.

According to court documents, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was traveling north on Highway 59 in Mahnomen County.

The trooper noticed a vehicle moving slowly along the shoulder with its hazard lights activated.

Radar reportedly showed the vehicle traveling just 9 mph in a 60 mph zone.

The vehicle also had a flat tire on the rear driver’s side.

The trooper activated emergency lights, and the vehicle stopped.

Officer Reports Signs of Alcohol Impairment

When the trooper approached, the driver was identified as Clinton Wayne Manning Jr.

According to the complaint, the trooper noticed a strong odor of alcohol while speaking with Manning.

The trooper also reported bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech.

Manning was asked to exit the vehicle and participate in field sobriety testing.

Investigators reported that Manning appeared unsteady while walking toward the patrol vehicle.

During an eye-movement test, the trooper observed several indicators commonly associated with possible impairment.

Breath Testing Shows 0.225 and 0.22

According to the complaint, Manning agreed to provide a preliminary breath sample.

The roadside test reportedly registered an alcohol concentration of 0.225.

Following that result and the trooper’s observations, Manning was placed under arrest.

He later agreed to another breath test.

That test, administered at approximately 10:33 p.m., reportedly measured 0.22.

Minnesota’s general legal driving limit is 0.08.

The reported result was approximately 2.75 times that limit.

Mahnomen County: 9 MPH Drive Leads to 0.22 DWI Charge

Third-Degree DWI Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Manning with third-degree driving while impaired in Mahnomen County District Court.

The charge alleges he operated a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of at least 0.08.

It also alleges an aggravating factor because his alcohol concentration reached at least 0.16.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.03, an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher is an aggravating factor.

Minnesota Statute 169A.26 classifies third-degree DWI as a gross misdemeanor.

A conviction can result in up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

These are maximum penalties, not a sentence imposed in this case.

Mahnomen County Court Proceedings

The criminal case is filed under number 44-CR-26-572 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court document was issued with a summons.

The complaint lists one criminal charge connected to the September 15 traffic stop.

It does not establish a conviction, sentence, or final court outcome.

Readers can check public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional court information is available through the Mahnomen County District Court.

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

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.