Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A North Dakota man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after an early morning traffic stop in Bemidji.
Gabriel Ovidio Hernandez, 23, of New Town, North Dakota, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-833.
The charge stems from an April 11, 2026, stop near downtown Bemidji.
Traffic Stop In Bemidji
According to the complaint, law enforcement was near 3rd Street Northwest and Beltrami Avenue Northwest.
The complaint says an older GMC truck was seen leaving the area without taillights.
A traffic stop was started near 6th Street Northwest and Bemidji Avenue.
As the truck turned off Bemidji Avenue, it hit a curb.
The truck then came to a complete stop, according to court documents.
The driver was identified as Gabriel Ovidio Hernandez by a North Dakota driver’s license.
Complaint Alleges Signs Of Alcohol Use
Authorities reported smelling alcohol coming from the vehicle.
The complaint says Hernandez had slurred speech and glossy eyes.
When asked about drinking, Hernandez allegedly said his last drink was one hour earlier.
He allegedly said he had two Coors Banquets.
Authorities told Hernandez about the nonfunctioning taillights.
The complaint says Hernandez stepped out of the vehicle to look.
He was asked to perform field sobriety testing.
According to the complaint, Hernandez declined those tests.
He also declined a preliminary breath test at the scene.
Breath Test Reported At .18
Hernandez was arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
Authorities began an observation period at 2:11 a.m.
The complaint says Hernandez was read the breath test advisory.
He declined to speak with an attorney and agreed to take a breath test.
The observation period was restarted after Hernandez burped, according to court records.
Hernandez was allowed to call his brother during that time.
After the observation period, he provided two breath samples.
The complaint says the final breath test result was 0.18 at 2:48 a.m.
Hernandez is charged under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The charge carries up to 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
The charge is only an accusation.
Hernandez 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.
