LAPORTE, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Laporte man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after allegedly crashing into a utility pole in Hubbard County.
Kaeden River Lofthus, 25, of Laporte, is accused of third-degree driving while impaired following an October 29, 2026, crash.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators located Lofthus after discovering his abandoned vehicle in a roadside ditch.
A later breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.17.
Vehicle Found After Striking Utility Pole
At approximately 11:33 p.m., law enforcement responded to reports of vehicle debris along Hubbard County Road 16.
The debris was located west of the intersection with County Road 36.
Upon arrival, investigators discovered a vehicle that had struck an electric pole.
The vehicle was resting in the south ditch, but its driver was missing.
A registration check identified Lofthus as the vehicle’s owner.
While the vehicle was being removed, investigators reportedly discovered a half-empty bottle of Fireball whiskey inside.
Deputies Locate Driver at Residence
Investigators began searching for Lofthus at nearby family residences.
They eventually located him at his father’s residence, according to the complaint.
While speaking with Lofthus, a deputy reportedly noticed an odor of alcohol, thickened speech, and glossy eyes.
Lofthus allegedly acknowledged driving the vehicle that struck the utility pole.
He reportedly said the crash occurred around 11 p.m. and that his father picked him up afterward.
Initially, Lofthus said he had consumed two 16-ounce beers earlier that evening.
He also initially reported that he had not consumed alcohol after the crash.
Breath Tests Show .169 and .17 BAC
Investigators asked Lofthus to complete several field sobriety tests.
The complaint states that he showed signs of impairment during an eye movement test.
During a one-leg stand test, he allegedly struggled with balance and put his foot down.
A preliminary breath test produced a reported alcohol concentration of 0.169.
Lofthus was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.
He was transported to the Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center for additional testing.
According to the complaint, an evidentiary breath test produced a final alcohol concentration of 0.17.
Suspect Claims Whiskey Was Consumed After Crash
During the investigation, Lofthus provided additional statements about his alcohol consumption.
He reportedly said he had consumed Fireball whiskey after the crash and before being handcuffed.
During a later interview, he claimed he drank approximately 350 milliliters of whiskey after reaching a family residence.
These statements differed from his earlier account of not drinking after the collision.
The complaint does not establish how much alcohol, if any, Lofthus consumed before the crash.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Lofthus with third-degree DWI under Minnesota Statutes 169A.20 and 169A.26.
The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case was filed in Hubbard County District Court under case number 29-CR-26-1015.
Additional information about the law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Public case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Lofthus is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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