Akeley Traffic Stop Leads to Gun, Drug Charges

AKELEY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Cass Lake man faces two felony charges and a gross misdemeanor DWI refusal charge following a traffic stop south of Akeley.

Derek Daniel Kingbird Jr., 42, of Cass Lake, is accused of illegally possessing a firearm and controlled substances.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Hubbard County District Court, deputies discovered a Glock handgun and suspected drugs inside a Chevrolet Suburban.

The incident occurred October 18, 2026, along State Highway 64.

Deputies Stop SUV South of Akeley

At approximately 4:06 p.m., a Hubbard County deputy was patrolling Highway 64 south of Akeley.

Investigators had received information about a white Chevrolet Suburban possibly connected to narcotics trafficking.

Authorities also had information suggesting a firearm might be inside the vehicle.

The deputy spotted the Suburban and used radar to measure its speed.

According to the complaint, the SUV was traveling 62 mph in a posted 60-mph zone.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Kingbird.

Field Sobriety Tests Raise Concerns

While speaking with Kingbird, the deputy noticed that his skin appeared sweaty and clammy.

Kingbird and the other occupants were asked to exit the vehicle.

According to court documents, Kingbird then participated in several field sobriety tests.

During a walking test, he reportedly raised his arms, started too early, and stopped during the exercise.

During a one-leg stand test, he used his arms for balance and placed a foot on the ground.

The deputy also reported observing eyelid tremors during another test.

Kingbird estimated 30 seconds had passed when 42 seconds had elapsed.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

Derek Kingbird — Derek Daniel Kingbird Jr.

Glock Handgun and Suspected Drugs Found

After the arrest, authorities searched the Chevrolet Suburban.

According to the complaint, investigators discovered a black Glock handgun inside the vehicle.

Deputies also recovered a black pouch containing a small plastic bag with packets of white powder.

The powder and its packaging weighed approximately 0.9 grams.

The complaint does not identify the substance through laboratory testing.

Prosecutors filed a felony controlled substance possession charge based on evidence described in the investigation.

Driver Allegedly Refuses Chemical Testing

Kingbird was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids following his arrest.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.

According to court documents, the deputy informed Kingbird about the warrant and requested a sample.

Kingbird allegedly refused to provide a sample and denied using controlled substances.

The refusal became the basis for an additional second-degree DWI charge.

Previous Felony Convictions Cited

The complaint identifies several previous convictions involving Kingbird.

Those include a second-degree riot conviction from August 8, 2014, in Cass County.

Prosecutors cite that conviction as the basis for the firearm possession restriction.

The complaint also references a felony controlled substance conviction from January 12, 2015.

Additionally, Kingbird has a previous third-degree DWI conviction dated December 29, 2017.

That earlier DWI is cited as a qualifying prior impaired-driving incident.

Three Criminal Charges Filed

Kingbird faces three charges in Hubbard County District Court:

Count 1: Felony firearm or ammunition possession by a person convicted of a qualifying violent crime.
Count 2: Felony fifth-degree controlled substance possession.
Count 3: Gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI involving refusal to submit to chemical testing.

The firearm charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.165.

It carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, a $30,000 fine, or both.

The drug possession charge falls under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

That felony carries a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The DWI refusal charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.25.

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