Bemidji: Jared Christensen Faces Felony Meth, DWI Charges

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Jared Ray Christensen, 38, faces felony drug possession and gross misdemeanor DWI charges following a Bemidji traffic stop.

The incident happened September 27, 2026, near Fourth Street Southeast and Wood Avenue.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, deputies stopped Christensen after recognizing him as a person with an active felony warrant.

Christensen was driving a black Chevrolet Silverado when deputies initiated the traffic stop around 3:36 p.m.

Deputies Report Signs of Possible Drug Use

According to court documents, deputies noticed Christensen had glossy eyes, rapid speech, and shaking in his arms and legs.

The complaint states Christensen admitted using methamphetamine several days earlier.

He reportedly told deputies he had used methamphetamine for approximately ten years.

Christensen also allegedly admitted having methamphetamine inside his pickup truck.

Deputies searched the vehicle and found a bag containing a white crystalline substance inside the driver’s door compartment.

They also reported finding a glass smoking device beneath the driver’s seat.

The device reportedly had burn marks and residue. A torch lighter was also found inside the driver’s door compartment.

Field Sobriety Testing Conducted

Deputies transported Christensen to the Beltrami County Jail for field sobriety testing.

According to the complaint, deputies observed several possible signs of impairment during testing.

These included unusual eye movements, eyelid tremors, facial twitching, and difficulty following instructions.

Deputies also reported that Christensen swayed while attempting to maintain his balance.

During testing, Christensen allegedly said he had last used methamphetamine the previous day.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.

Christensen chose to provide a urine sample, according to the complaint.

The complaint states the sample and suspected methamphetamine would be sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing.

No final laboratory results were included in the supplied complaint.

Felony Drug Possession and DWI Charges

Christensen faces fifth-degree felony drug possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or both.

He also faces third-degree DWI involving an alleged Schedule I or II controlled substance.

That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

The DWI charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine, or both.

Prior Convictions Listed in Complaint

Court documents also identify several previous convictions involving Christensen.

These include a felony fifth-degree drug possession conviction entered April 30, 2026.

The complaint also lists a third-degree DWI conviction from June 21, 2019.

Other listed convictions involve domestic assault, violations of court orders, drug possession, and burglary.

Those prior convictions are separate from the current allegations.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The new charges are filed under Beltrami County Court File No. 04-CR-26-2392.

The case is assigned to Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The supplied complaint does not establish the outcome of the pending charges.

Readers can search court information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Christensen is presumed innocent of the new charges unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.