Bemidji Man Charged After .27 Breath Test
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — William Erik Schmieg faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge in Beltrami County.
The charge follows a June 6 traffic stop in Bemidji. Court records allege Schmieg drove with an alcohol concentration above Minnesota’s legal limit.
The criminal complaint was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Schmieg is charged under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5).
The charge alleges an alcohol concentration of at least .08 within two hours of driving. Prosecutors also allege an aggravating factor was present.
Caller Reports Possible Impaired Driver
Police received a report around 5:08 p.m. near 1820 Paul Bunyan Drive Northwest. The caller described a man stumbling toward a maroon Chevrolet.
The caller also reported the vehicle was swerving into traffic. An officer later saw the Chevrolet traveling several vehicles ahead.
According to the complaint, the vehicle failed to stay within its lane. It also traveled onto the road shoulder.
The officer saw the vehicle stop near 23rd Street and Conifer Avenue. It allegedly entered the wrong lane before correcting its path.
Police stopped the vehicle and identified Schmieg as the driver.
William Erik Schmieg
Complaint Lists Two Alcohol Readings
The complaint alleges Schmieg had poor balance, slurred speech, and glassy eyes. Police also reported smelling alcohol on his breath.
Schmieg reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol. The complaint says he did not complete field sobriety tests satisfactorily.
A preliminary breath test allegedly produced a .30 reading. Police then arrested Schmieg and transported him to the Beltrami County Jail.
At the jail, Schmieg agreed to provide an evidentiary breath sample. That test allegedly showed an alcohol concentration of .27.
Charge Carries Possible Jail Time
The gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible fine of $3,000.
Readers can review Minnesota’s DWI law through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Public case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
A criminal charge is an accusation. Schmieg is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.