Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Red Lake man is facing gross misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop in Bemidji.
James White is charged in Beltrami County District Court with DWI involving a controlled substance.
He is also charged with driving after cancellation.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-844.
Traffic Stop On Ridgeway Avenue
According to the complaint, the stop happened April 13, 2026.
Law enforcement was finishing another traffic stop on Ridgeway Avenue Northwest.
A vehicle with Red Lake registration passed the area traveling north.
The complaint says authorities later followed the vehicle.
They reported seeing a non-transparent sticker on the rear window.
They also reported a lanyard hanging from the rear-view mirror.
A traffic stop was then initiated, according to court documents.
James White
Complaint Alleges Signs Of Impairment
As authorities approached, the driver’s door opened quickly.
The complaint says White remained seated in the driver’s seat.
Authorities reported he was holding a bag of fruit snacks.
White allegedly opened the snacks quickly and began chewing rapidly.
During contact, authorities reported several signs of possible impairment.
Those included fast speech, glassy eyes, and exaggerated movements.
The complaint also noted constricted pupils that did not react to light.
White allegedly said he did not have a valid driver’s license.
He also said he was unsure if the vehicle had insurance.
Authorities learned White’s driving privileges were canceled as inimical to public safety.
Blood Sample Sent For Testing
White denied ever using controlled substances, according to the complaint.
Authorities asked White to perform field sobriety tests.
The complaint says he was unable to complete them in a satisfactory way.
White was taken into custody and brought to Sanford Emergency Room in Bemidji.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
White agreed to provide a blood sample.
The sample was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.
Charges Filed In Beltrami County
The DWI charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
The driving charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Each charge carries up to 364 days in jail.
Each charge also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The complaint lists prior DWI, drug, and license-related history.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
White is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.