Sherburne County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Brainerd man faces felony charges after a traffic stop in Becker Township.
Leon John Walker, 62, is charged with two counts of felony first-degree DWI. He also faces a gross misdemeanor count. The case includes several traffic-related counts.
What the police say happened
According to a criminal complaint, police stopped a silver minivan on February 12, 2026. The stop happened near Highway 10 and 137th Street. It was around 4:26 p.m.
Police said the van matched a vehicle tied to a recent hit-and-run. Officers said the driver weaved in the lane. They also reported centerline crossings. They said the van followed other cars too closely.
Corrections staff also reported an email alert that day. The alert said an ankle monitor may have been tampered with.
Signs of impairment
Police identified the driver as Walker. The complaint says his eyes looked bloodshot and watery. Officers also reported slurred speech. Police said they saw a bottle that looked like vodka. It was on the floorboard.
Walker told police he was involved in a crash. The complaint places it near Clearwater or Clear Lake. He allegedly said he “made a mistake.”
Police asked Walker to do field sobriety tests. The complaint says he refused. Police then arrested him for DWI.
A Datamaster breath test later showed a reported alcohol concentration of .17. The complaint says the test happened at 5:20 p.m.
Hit-and-run claim
Police also spoke with the reported crash victim in Clear Lake. The complaint says she was stopped in a left turn lane. The location was Main Avenue.
The victim said a silver van hit the back of her vehicle. She said the van drove around her and left. The complaint says she reported a sore neck. She planned to seek medical care.
Prior history and license status
Court records listed in the complaint show prior DWI convictions. The dates listed were May 2025, March 2025, and November 2022. The complaint says Walker’s license was canceled at the time. It was listed as canceled as a public safety measure.
Charges filed
- Two counts of felony first-degree DWI.
- One count of gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation.
- One count of traffic collision for failure to stop.
- One count of driving after cancellation.
Learn more
You can look up Minnesota court case records online through MCRO.
For Minnesota DWI statutes, see Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169A.
For impaired driving safety resources, visit NHTSA’s drunk driving page.
For local court location details, see Sherburne County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.