Bemidji Man Arrested Over Missing Ignition Interlock

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 25-year-old Bemidji man faces two criminal charges following a traffic stop involving a loud pickup truck.

Xayvion Earl Rodgers is accused of driving without a required ignition interlock device.

He also faces a misdemeanor charge for failing to provide proof of vehicle insurance.

According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, the traffic stop occurred July 1, 2026, along Irvine Avenue.

Trooper Stops Pickup for Loud Exhaust

The incident began around 10:28 a.m. when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was monitoring traffic.

The trooper noticed a blue GMC pickup passing his location with a loud exhaust.

According to court documents, the trooper activated emergency lights and stopped the vehicle on Irvine Avenue.

During the stop, the driver identified himself as Xayvion Earl Rodgers.

Police then began checking his driving credentials and vehicle information.

Driver Admits Ignition Interlock Device Is Missing

According to the complaint, Rodgers immediately told the trooper his driver’s license carried an ignition interlock restriction.

Rodgers also reportedly acknowledged that his pickup did not have the required device installed.

The trooper did not observe an ignition interlock system inside the vehicle.

An ignition interlock device requires a driver to provide an acceptable breath sample before starting a vehicle.

The devices are commonly required as part of certain impaired driving restrictions.

Minnesota law prohibits drivers with applicable restrictions from operating vehicles without functioning, approved ignition interlock systems.

Proof of Insurance Also Questioned

During the same traffic stop, Rodgers reportedly told the trooper he did not have proof of insurance available.

According to court documents, Rodgers said his mother had a copy of his insurance card.

The trooper allowed Rodgers an opportunity to contact her and obtain the required documentation.

While Rodgers attempted to locate the information, the trooper checked his driving status.

Records showed Rodgers had a valid driver’s license with an ignition interlock restriction.

When the trooper returned, Rodgers reportedly had not obtained proof of insurance.

The complaint does not establish whether the pickup was actually uninsured.

Rodgers Arrested and Taken to Jail

Following the records check, the trooper informed Rodgers he was under arrest for violating the ignition interlock restriction.

According to the complaint, Rodgers exited his vehicle without argument.

He cooperated while the trooper placed him in handcuffs.

Rodgers was then transported to the Beltrami County Jail.

The supplied complaint does not identify any new impaired driving allegation from the July 1 traffic stop.

Previous DWI Convictions Listed

The criminal complaint identifies several previous driving-related convictions involving Rodgers.

Those include a misdemeanor DWI conviction entered May 19, 2020.

Records also show a gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI conviction entered February 10, 2021.

Additionally, Rodgers was convicted of driving without an ignition interlock device on August 29, 2025.

That earlier conviction was filed in Beltrami County under case number 04-CR-25-1967.

The previous convictions are separate from the new charges.

Two Charges Filed in Beltrami County

Prosecutors filed two counts against Rodgers in Beltrami County District Court.

Count 1: Gross misdemeanor driving without a required ignition interlock device under Minnesota Statute 171.09, subdivision 1(g).

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

Count 2: Misdemeanor failure to provide proof of vehicle insurance under Minnesota Statute 169.791, subdivision 2(a).

That charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

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

Readers can review Minnesota’s driver’s license restriction law.

Additional information about insurance requirements is available through Minnesota Statute 169.791.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The criminal case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2150.

The prosecutor’s file number is 0040092774.

The complaint was issued as a summons.

The supplied court documents do not identify a final outcome or sentencing information.

Additional case details may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

More information about ignition interlock restrictions is available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services.

The charges remain allegations. Rodgers is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.