Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Middle River man is charged after a reported wrong-way driving incident and pursuit in Becker County.
Court records identify the defendant as Zachary Ryan Opdahl, 38, of Middle River, Minnesota.
He is charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
He is also charged with gross misdemeanor DWI, according to court records.
Wrong-way driving reported in Audubon
According to court records, the incident happened the evening of Dec. 5, 2025.
A deputy reported seeing a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Highway 10 in Audubon.
The deputy reported driving alongside the vehicle to get the driver’s attention.
Records say the driver did not respond.
The deputy reported activating emergency lights while alongside the vehicle.
Records say the vehicle continued at about 60 miles per hour in the wrong direction.
The deputy reported pulling ahead into a crossover with lights still on.
Records say the vehicle passed and then sped up.
Deputy avoided a collision, records say
Court records say the deputy drove head-on toward the vehicle to force a stop.
Records say the driver did not slow down.
The deputy reported steering toward the ditch to avoid a crash.
The vehicle then passed and accelerated again, according to court records.
Stop sticks used near Detroit Lakes
Other officers set up squad vehicles and stop sticks near Detroit Lakes, records say.
Court records say the vehicle slowed and stopped at that location.
A deputy ordered Opdahl out of the vehicle, according to court records.
Records say he complied after repeated commands.
Records also say the deputy drew a pistol during the commands.
DWI allegations
As Opdahl exited, a deputy reported smelling alcohol.
Records say Opdahl had slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Court records say he showed impairment clues during the HGN eye test.
Records say a preliminary breath test measured .18 alcohol concentration.
Opdahl was taken to jail, according to court records.
Records say he refused a breath test at the jail.
Court records also note a 2023 conviction for DWI test refusal.
Bail conditions and next hearing
On Dec. 8, 2025, bail was set at $40,000 without conditions, records say.
Bail was set at $20,000 with standard conditions, records say.
Conditions include no alcohol or drug use.
Conditions also include staying out of bars and liquor stores.
Records say he must submit to random testing.
Records say he must use an alcohol monitor or follow ignition interlock rules.
Records also say he must comply with pretrial supervision.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.
The hearing is set before District Judge Michelle Lawson, court records say.
Resources
Minnesota fleeing law: Minn. Stat. 609.487.
Minnesota DWI law: Minn. Stat. 169A.20.
Minnesota ignition interlock info: MN DPS Ignition Interlock.
Minnesota court records portal: Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Charges are allegations.
Opdahl is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.