Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A wild police pursuit and bizarre behavior at the jail has landed a Bemidji man, 44-year-old Derek James Hunt, in hot legal waters—again.
According to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, on June 23, 2025, Deputy Hardie attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle with a broken brake light. Instead of complying, the suspect vehicle tried to flee through city streets, making abrupt turns before cornering itself down a dead-end road.
Hunt, the driver, exited the vehicle along with his passengers, one of whom fled on foot. Hunt was taken into custody after displaying red, glassy eyes, which the deputy recognized as signs of impairment. On Hunt’s person was a partially melted plastic straw, often used for drug ingestion.
While in custody, Hunt attempted to avoid a search warrant-mandated urine test. He stalled for 30 minutes, spitting water into the sample cup and pretending it was urine. Ultimately, he was charged with Felony DWI – Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.2(2).
His record includes multiple prior felony convictions, including drug possession, fleeing police, and felony DWI.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.