Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — John David Iverson, 45, of Cass Lake, Minnesota, faces serious legal consequences after being charged with felony DWI test refusal and gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation—inimical to public safety (DAC-IPS).
On April 2, 2025, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Deputy Mason Bitker observed a red Ford F350 pickup, registered to Iverson’s father, being driven by Iverson, whose license had been canceled as inimical to public safety due to multiple prior DWI offenses. After confirming Iverson’s identity, Deputy Bitker conducted a traffic stop on Highway 2 east of Washington Avenue in Beltrami County.
During the stop, Iverson admitted he should not be driving and claimed ownership of the vehicle belonged to his father. Deputy Bitker noticed Iverson’s pupils were pinpoint and, upon questioning, Iverson admitted to using methamphetamine six days prior. Due to unsafe roadside conditions, field sobriety tests were deferred, and Iverson was arrested and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.
At the jail, Iverson exhibited signs of medical distress, including profuse sweating and rigidity. Deputy Bitker administered Narcan, suspecting a drug overdose, and Iverson was transported to Sanford ER. A search warrant for a blood or urine sample was obtained, but Iverson refused to comply, leading to the felony DWI test refusal charge.
Iverson’s driving record reveals three prior impaired driving incidents within the past ten years, and his license status is canceled as inimical to public safety.
Did you know?
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Felony DWI Test Refusal: Under Minnesota law, refusing a chemical test when required by a search warrant is a felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine.
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Driving After Cancellation—Inimical to Public Safety (DAC-IPS): This gross misdemeanor offense carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine
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License Reinstatement Requirements: Individuals with canceled licenses due to multiple DWIs must complete a chemical use assessment, enroll in treatment, install an ignition interlock device, and abstain from alcohol use to regain driving privileges.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.