Clearwater County (trfnews.i234.me) — Charges were filed after a Highway 2 crash near Bagley.
Charges filed
Craig Anthony Rico, 37, of Cass Lake, is charged with felony first-degree DWI.
The complaint lists “under the influence of a controlled substance” under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5).
He is also charged with gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.
That charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.
Crash details
Deputies were sent to a vehicle in a ditch at about 5:19 p.m. on January 18, 2026.
The crash was on U.S. Highway 2 near 211th Avenue, east of Bagley.
Investigators found Rico outside a vehicle with North Dakota plates.
Rico told deputies his father was driving and walked away.
Investigators reported only one set of footprints in fresh snow.
They said no other person was at the scene.
Rico gave mixed answers about where his father lived.
Investigators said he pointed the wrong way for the town he named.
A search along the road did not find anyone else.
A witness told police they saw only one person after the crash.
Signs of impairment
Deputies reported slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.
They also reported a strong odor of alcohol.
Rico denied drinking, according to the complaint.
A preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.144, police said.
Prior record and license status
The complaint says Rico’s license was canceled as inimical to public safety.
Prosecutors say he has three qualified impaired driving convictions in ten years.
The filing also notes a 2025 conviction for criminal vehicular operation.
The complaint lists felony convictions for simple robbery and domestic assault.
Court update
Judge Kathryn Lorsbach set bail at $50,000 with conditions.
Bail was set at $100,000 without conditions.
Conditions include staying law-abiding and making all court dates.
Court records show the complaint was signed on January 20, 2026.
Read the statutes here: Minn. Stat. 169A.20 and Minn. Stat. 171.24.
More court information is available at Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.