Audubon Wrong-Way DWI Pursuit Ends in Sentence

AUDUBON, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Zachary Ryan Opdahl, 39, of Middle River, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court.

The case involved felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and gross misdemeanor driving while impaired.

Wrong-Way Driving Reported

Court records say the incident began during the evening of Dec. 5, 2025.

A Becker County deputy saw a vehicle traveling east in Highway 10’s westbound lane near Audubon.

The deputy drove beside the vehicle and tried to get Opdahl’s attention.

Opdahl did not respond and continued in the wrong direction at about 60 mph.

The deputy activated emergency lights while remaining beside the vehicle.

Opdahl still did not stop or reduce his speed.

The deputy then moved ahead and entered a highway crossover with the emergency lights activated.

Opdahl passed the squad vehicle and accelerated, according to court records.

The deputy caught up and again tried to stop the vehicle.

At one point, the deputy approached from the front to force a stop.

Opdahl did not slow down. The deputy turned toward a ditch to avoid a crash.

Zachary Ryan Opdahl

Other officers placed squad vehicles and stop sticks near Detroit Lakes.

Opdahl eventually slowed and stopped before reaching the roadblock.

He did not immediately leave the vehicle after receiving repeated commands.

He later complied and stepped outside.

A deputy reported smelling alcohol as Opdahl left the vehicle.

Court records noted slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and other signs of impairment.

Opdahl provided a preliminary breath sample showing a .18 alcohol concentration.

He was taken to jail and refused a later breath test.

Court records show Opdahl had a 2023 conviction for DWI test refusal.

On May 20, District Judge Michelle Lawson imposed a 17-month prison sentence.

The prison term was stayed for three years.

Opdahl was ordered to serve 84 days in jail.

He received credit for all 84 days already served.

He also received $1,000 in fines and $190 in court fees.

Opdahl will remain on supervised probation for three years.

He cannot use alcohol or illegal drugs during probation.

He must complete cognitive skills training and any ordered behavioral programs.

He must also attend a victim impact panel.

A comprehensive assessment is required, along with recommended treatment and aftercare.

General court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

DWI safety resources are available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.