Bemidji: Designated Driver Charged After .12 DWI Test

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 25-year-old Bagley man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge following an early morning traffic stop in Bemidji.

Parker Austin Sunderland allegedly told police he was the designated driver after dropping off friends.

However, police reported that his car was traveling without headlights and that he showed possible signs of alcohol impairment.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, an evidentiary breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of .12.

Officer Spots Car Driving Without Headlights

The incident began around 2:22 a.m. on September 13, 2026.

A Bemidji police officer was patrolling near Second Street Northwest and Minnesota Avenue Northwest.

According to court documents, the officer noticed a small passenger car traveling without its headlights on.

The officer flashed the patrol vehicle’s lights to alert the driver.

However, the car continued eastbound without headlights.

Police then initiated a traffic stop near Dunkin’ Donuts.

Driver Claims He Was Taking Friends Home

During the stop, police identified the driver as Parker Austin Sunderland of Bagley.

According to the complaint, the officer smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle.

The officer also noticed Sunderland had bloodshot and watery eyes.

When questioned, Sunderland reportedly told police he was the designated driver.

He said he had just dropped off friends before the traffic stop.

Despite that explanation, the officer continued investigating possible impaired driving.

Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest

The officer asked Sunderland to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests.

According to the complaint, Sunderland did not satisfactorily complete the testing.

Police then requested a preliminary breath test.

The roadside test showed an alcohol concentration of .11.

Based on the investigation, Sunderland was taken into custody and transported to jail.

Breath Test Shows .12 Alcohol Concentration

At the jail, Sunderland was read Minnesota’s breath test advisory.

According to court documents, he requested an opportunity to speak with an attorney.

However, the complaint states Sunderland called his mother instead.

He later ended his phone time and agreed to provide a breath sample.

An evidentiary breath test administered at approximately 3:08 a.m. returned an alcohol concentration of .12.

That reading was above Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of .08.

The result became part of the evidence supporting the criminal charge.

Previous DWI Conviction Listed in Complaint

Prosecutors also cited Sunderland’s previous driving record.

According to the complaint, Sunderland was convicted of third-degree DWI on May 18, 2023.

That conviction occurred in Polk County under court file number 60-CR-23-433.

The complaint also mentions previous driving after revocation and speeding convictions.

Additionally, court records identify a previous exhibition driving case involving a successful stay of adjudication.

The prior DWI conviction is relevant because Minnesota law allows certain previous impaired driving incidents to increase DWI penalties.

Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed

Sunderland faces one gross misdemeanor charge involving an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher with an aggravating factor.

The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5), with penalties under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

The charge falls under Minnesota’s second-degree DWI law.

A conviction could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

These are maximum statutory penalties, not a sentence imposed in this case.

Additional information about the law is available through Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

Beltrami County Court Case Information

The criminal case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2188.

The prosecutor’s file number is BCI-0011208.

The supplied complaint does not provide a final court outcome or sentencing information.

Readers can search available case records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge remains an allegation. Sunderland is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.