CLEARWATER COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bagley man faces a gross misdemeanor charge after deputies discovered he was driving a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device.
David John Anderson, 50, of Bagley, is charged with violating restrictions on his driver’s license following an October 20, 2026, traffic stop.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Clearwater County District Court, Anderson was required to operate vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock system.
Deputy Stops Vehicle for Brake Light Violation
The incident occurred October 20, 2026, at approximately 11:58 p.m.
A Clearwater County deputy was patrolling when he observed a vehicle traveling westbound on 340th Street.
According to court documents, the vehicle’s third brake light was not functioning.
The deputy activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.
Another deputy arrived to assist during the investigation.
License Check Reveals Driving Restrictions
During the stop, the deputy identified the driver as Anderson.
A records check revealed that Anderson held a restricted driver’s license.
According to the complaint, his license required an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he operated.
However, deputies discovered that the vehicle Anderson was driving did not have the required device installed.
An ignition interlock is a breath-testing device connected to a vehicle’s ignition system.
It is designed to prevent a vehicle from starting when the driver provides a breath sample exceeding the device’s alcohol threshold.
Driver Says His Other Vehicle Has Interlock
When questioned about the missing equipment, Anderson reportedly explained that his personal vehicle had an ignition interlock device installed.
However, he told deputies that the vehicle equipped with the device was not operational.
According to the complaint, Anderson was driving a different vehicle that lacked the required equipment.
Deputies placed Anderson under arrest for violating his restricted driving privileges.
He was transported to the Clearwater County Jail without incident.
Previous Ignition Interlock Conviction Cited
Court documents also reference a previous conviction involving Anderson and the same type of driving restriction.
According to the complaint, Anderson was convicted of driving without a required ignition interlock device on June 18, 2026.
That conviction is listed under Clearwater County court file 15-CR-25-539.
The complaint states that Anderson was serving unsupervised probation in connection with the earlier conviction.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Anderson with one count of driving in violation of an ignition interlock restriction.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 171.09, which governs restricted driver’s licenses and related violations.
Driving a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device can constitute a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
The charge carries a maximum possible penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint does not allege that Anderson was intoxicated during this traffic stop.
No new DWI charge is listed in the supplied charging document.
Clearwater County Court Case
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 15-CR-26-372.
The criminal complaint lists an order of detention.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Anderson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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