Fergus Falls Driver Blows .22 After Roundabout Crash

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Fergus Falls man faces three criminal charges after allegedly rear-ending another vehicle near a roundabout and registering a .22 breath alcohol reading.

Cody Alan Alford, 30, of Fergus Falls, is charged with third-degree DWI, fourth-degree DWI, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Otter Tail County District Court, the incident occurred October 22, 2026.

Two Vehicles Involved in Roundabout Crash

At approximately 5:45 p.m., authorities received a report of a two-vehicle crash near Alcott Avenue and Tower Road.

The collision occurred at the roundabout connecting the roadways in Fergus Falls.

When police arrived around 6:07 p.m., both vehicles were parked west of the roundabout on County Highway 1.

According to court documents, the other driver had been entering the roundabout from Tower Road while traveling southbound.

The driver reportedly slowed to yield to another vehicle already in the roundabout.

Alford, driving a Pontiac G6, allegedly struck the rear of that vehicle.

Police confirmed that neither driver reported injuries.

Driver Admits Drinking Six Beers

While investigating the crash, an officer noticed a faint odor of alcohol but initially could not identify its source.

During a conversation with Alford, the officer observed bloodshot, watery eyes.

The officer later reported smelling alcohol coming from Alford and observing some unsteadiness while he walked.

When questioned, Alford reportedly admitted drinking approximately six 12-ounce Busch Light beers.

According to the complaint, Alford said his last alcoholic beverage had been consumed about an hour earlier.

A Fergus Falls man faces three criminal charges after allegedly rear-ending another vehicle near a roundabout and registering a .22 breath alcohol reading.

Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest

Police conducted several field sobriety tests following Alford’s statements and the officer’s observations.

During testing, the officer reported observing involuntary eye movements, balance difficulties, and slurred speech.

Alford also allegedly made errors during counting and walking exercises.

A preliminary breath test produced a reported alcohol reading of .218.

Based on the investigation, Alford was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

Police Find Open Beer Cans Inside Pontiac

During the investigation, an officer observed a partially filled 12-pack of Busch Light beer on the Pontiac’s backseat.

The package reportedly contained two 12-ounce cans and one larger can.

Another opened can was discovered on the passenger-side floor.

According to court documents, the can was cold and contained approximately one-quarter of its original contents.

Police photographed the container as part of the investigation.

Official Breath Test Records .22

Alford was transported to the Otter Tail County Detention Facility following his arrest.

At the jail, authorities read him the required breath-testing advisory.

According to the complaint, Alford declined the opportunity to consult an attorney before testing.

He agreed to provide a breath sample.

At approximately 6:46 p.m., the DataMaster breath-testing instrument reported an alcohol concentration of .22.

The result exceeded Minnesota’s general legal alcohol concentration limit of .08.

Three Criminal Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged Alford with three offenses stemming from the October 22 crash.

Count 1: Third-degree DWI, alcohol concentration of .08 or more with an aggravating factor – Gross misdemeanor.
Count 2: Fourth-degree DWI, operating under the influence of alcohol – Misdemeanor.
Count 3: Open bottle possession – Misdemeanor.

The third-degree DWI charge is supported by the alleged alcohol concentration of .16 or higher.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor.

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

The misdemeanor charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.