THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 37-year-old Thief River Falls man faces a felony DWI charge after a state trooper reported dangerous driving and signs of alcohol impairment.
Ryan Adam Benoit, 37, was arrested following a traffic stop near Highway 32 and Sanford Parkway on October 26, 2026, at approximately 11:05 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint, Benoit recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 during an evidentiary breath test.
Trooper Reports Erratic Driving on Highway 32
The incident began when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper encountered an oncoming pickup on Highway 32, north of St. Hilaire.
The trooper believed the vehicle might enter his lane before the driver sharply turned to navigate a curve.
After turning around, the trooper reportedly observed the pickup weaving within its lane and traveling 73 mph.
The trooper stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Highway 32 and Sanford Parkway.
Benoit was identified as the driver. Two passengers, an adult man and a 17-year-old girl, were also inside the pickup.
Strong Alcohol Odor Raises Suspicion
While speaking with Benoit, the trooper reportedly noticed several signs of alcohol impairment.
According to the complaint, a strong odor of consumed alcohol came from Benoit and the pickup’s interior.
When questioned, Benoit allegedly admitted drinking a little alcohol and acknowledged he might have consumed too much.
However, he reportedly said he was unsure how much he had consumed.
Benoit subsequently failed field sobriety testing, according to the complaint.
Breath Tests Show 0.159 and 0.16 BAC
A preliminary breath test reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.159.
A later DMT breath test produced a result of 0.16 BAC.
That is twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of 0.08.
During the investigation, Benoit reportedly told the trooper he could not remember how many Smirnoff Red, White and Blue alcoholic beverages he had consumed.
A search of the pickup allegedly revealed three cans of the beverage:
- One empty can.
- One partially full can that was emptied during the search.
- One full, unopened can.
Previous Felony DWI Leads to New Felony Charge
According to court documents, Benoit has multiple previous DWI convictions.
Although none occurred within the past 10 years, the complaint identifies a felony DWI conviction from 2011.
That previous felony conviction forms the basis for the current first-degree DWI charge.
Benoit has been charged with felony first-degree driving while impaired based on a prior felony DWI conviction.
He was arrested following the October 26 traffic stop.
Further information about Minnesota’s first-degree DWI law is available through the Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
The charge remains an allegation. Benoit is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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