Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Middle River man faces felony and gross misdemeanor charges after a wrong-way driving incident on U.S. Highway 10 near Detroit Lakes.
Charges Filed After Wrong-Way Driving Report
Prosecutors in Becker County District Court have charged 38-year-old Zachary Ryan Opdahl.
He is charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony.
He also faces a second-degree DWI charge for refusing a chemical test.
Court records say the case stems from a December 5 incident on Highway 10 near Audubon.
Deputy Reports Vehicle in Wrong Lane
According to the criminal complaint, a Becker County deputy saw a vehicle in the westbound lanes of Highway 10.
The vehicle was traveling eastbound in the wrong lane around 9:42 p.m.
The deputy estimated the speed at about 60 miles per hour.
He drove alongside the vehicle and tried to get the driver’s attention.
The driver did not look over or slow down, according to the report.
The deputy activated his emergency lights while staying beside the vehicle.
The complaint states the driver still did not react and kept the same speed.
Multiple Attempts Made to Stop Vehicle
The deputy then moved ahead of the vehicle and entered a crossover lane.
His emergency lights remained on.
The vehicle passed him and sped up.
The deputy caught up and tried again to stop the vehicle.
The complaint says the driver did not stop.
The deputy then drove toward the vehicle head-on to force a stop.
The wrong-way vehicle refused to stop or slow down.
The deputy turned toward the ditch to avoid a crash as the vehicle went by.
Other officers set up squad vehicles and stop sticks on Highway 10 near Detroit Lakes.
The suspect vehicle finally slowed and stopped at that point.
The driver was ordered out and did not respond at first, according to the complaint.
After more commands and another deputy drawing a pistol, the driver complied.
Deputies Note Signs of Impairment
Deputies reported a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver, who was identified as Opdahl.
They noted slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes.
Opdahl showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, according to the complaint.
He gave a preliminary breath test sample of .18 alcohol concentration.
Opdahl was then taken to the Becker County Jail.
Prior DWI Conviction Elevates New Charge
Court records show Opdahl was convicted of DWI refusal in Becker County on May 8, 2023.
The prior offense within ten years is listed as an aggravating factor.
Because of that factor, the current DWI count is charged as second-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor.
The fleeing charge is a felony that can carry more than a year in prison.
The complaint notes a possible maximum sentence of three years and one day or a $5,000 fine.
The second-degree DWI charge is punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine.
Opdahl remains in custody at the Becker County Jail.
Drunk Driving Resources
Information on Minnesota DWI laws is available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Support for victims of impaired driving can be found through Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
