DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Detroit Lakes man faces two gross misdemeanor DWI charges after police found him repeatedly losing consciousness inside a running Range Rover at a Holiday gas station car wash.
Cole Wiley Hanson, 53, of Detroit Lakes, is accused of driving while impaired following a May 10, 2026, incident.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Becker County District Court, laboratory testing later revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .306.
Police Called to Holiday Car Wash
At approximately 1:47 p.m., Detroit Lakes police received a report of an unconscious man inside a vehicle.
Officers responded to the Holiday gas station, where they found a Land Rover Range Rover inside the car wash.
According to court documents, Hanson was inside the vehicle and repeatedly drifting in and out of consciousness or sleep.
Investigators reported that Hanson appeared confused and could not understand what was happening around him.
Officers Break Window to Reach Driver
Police, emergency medical personnel, and Holiday employees attempted repeatedly to open or unlock the Range Rover.
According to the complaint, Hanson refused to unlock the door and made statements that officers could not understand.
An officer attempted to break a vehicle window using a window-breaking tool but was initially unsuccessful.
Two officers eventually created an opening in the glass.
Another officer reached inside, unlocked the vehicle, and shut off the engine.
After officers gained access, Hanson reportedly asked where he was.
Driver Admits Drinking at Brunch
Once outside the vehicle, police observed Hanson moving slowly and struggling to maintain his balance.
Investigators also discovered a bottle of Tito’s vodka inside the Range Rover.
According to the complaint, Hanson acknowledged consuming alcohol during brunch earlier that day.
Police administered a preliminary breath test, although Hanson provided only a partial sample.
The preliminary test registered an alcohol reading of .29.
Laboratory Blood Test Confirms .306
Investigators obtained a search warrant authorizing the collection of a blood or urine sample.
Hanson complied with the warrant and provided a blood sample.
The sample was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for laboratory analysis.
According to court documents, laboratory testing confirmed an alcohol concentration of .306.
The reported reading was more than three times Minnesota’s general legal alcohol concentration limit of .08.
Two Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged Hanson with two counts of third-degree driving while impaired under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The first count alleges operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under alcohol’s influence.
The second alleges an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher within the legally specified testing period.
Prosecutors cite the alleged alcohol concentration exceeding .16 as an aggravating factor.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor.
Each count carries a maximum possible penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Becker County Court Case
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file number 03-CR-26-1937.
The criminal complaint lists a summons for Hanson.
The complaint does not describe a collision or report any injuries associated with the incident.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Hanson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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