PINE RIVER, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hackensack man faces felony charges following an alleged police pursuit through Pine River.
Charles Michael Steffen, 50, of Hackensack, is charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge involving an ignition interlock driving restriction.
The charges stem from an incident on September 25, 2026.
Police Attempt Traffic Stop
According to the criminal complaint, a Pine River police officer noticed a vehicle traveling without working taillights.
The officer activated emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle.
However, the driver allegedly refused to pull over.
Instead, the vehicle turned onto Iowa Avenue and continued eastbound.
The complaint states the vehicle eventually reached an open field.
Rather than stopping, the driver allegedly entered the field and continued fleeing.
The officer followed the vehicle across the field.
Passenger Reportedly Screamed for Driver to Stop
The vehicle eventually reached Barclay Avenue and continued westbound, according to investigators.
It then turned onto Mill Street and entered the Pine River State Bank parking lot.
During the pursuit, a passenger reportedly opened the vehicle’s door.
According to the complaint, the passenger could be heard screaming for the driver to stop.
Despite those pleas, the driver allegedly continued moving.
The vehicle returned to Barclay Avenue before turning into a residential driveway.
Investigators reported that the driver continued into a backyard.
The driver then jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot, the complaint states.
Deputies Locate Suspected Driver
Authorities began searching for the driver after the vehicle stopped.
The passenger identified the driver as Steffen, according to court documents.
The passenger also reported that Steffen had been drinking.
She claimed he had instructed her not to tell police about his drinking.
A Cass County deputy later located Steffen walking near State Highway 371.
Officers reported noticing an odor of alcohol during their contact with him.
The complaint does not list a separate DWI charge.
Ignition Interlock Violation Alleged
Investigators reviewed Steffen’s driving record following the incident.
His driver’s license was valid but carried an ignition interlock restriction, according to the complaint.
Police reported that the vehicle he allegedly drove lacked the required device.
Prosecutors charged Steffen with violating that driving restriction.
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.09.
Felony Fleeing Charge Filed
Steffen also faces a felony charge under Minnesota Statute 609.487.
The fleeing charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and one day in prison.
It also carries a possible $5,000 fine, or both penalties.
The gross misdemeanor carries a maximum of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Cass County District Court under number 11-CR-26-1450.
Readers can search the case through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Steffen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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