Bemidji Man Charged After Crash, Test Refusal

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI test-refusal charge after a vehicle struck a tree.

Alfred James Desjarlait II is charged in Beltrami County District Court. The case number is 04-CR-26-1246.

The charge stems from a May 30, 2026, crash near 2500 Itasca Loop. The complaint lists the incident time as about 5:59 p.m.

Witnesses Identify Alleged Driver

According to the complaint, police found a gray Ford Edge against a tree. The front airbags had deployed, and the engine remained running.

Officers also found an open vodka bottle a few feet from the vehicle. The complaint says liquid remained inside the bottle.

Two witnesses pointed toward Desjarlait and identified him as the driver, according to the complaint.

Police said Desjarlait was swaying and had trouble standing. Officers also reported a strong alcohol odor and blood around his mouth.

Desjarlait denied drinking and denied driving the vehicle, the complaint states. He gave different explanations for his mouth injury.

Alfred James Desjarlait II

Police asked Desjarlait to complete field sobriety tests. The complaint says he refused those tests.

An officer then requested a preliminary breath sample. The complaint says Desjarlait provided an insufficient sample and refused another attempt.

Police arrested Desjarlait and took him to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. He was checked for possible injuries.

An officer later obtained a warrant for a blood or urine sample. The complaint says Desjarlait refused both requested samples.

After medical clearance, officers transported him to the Beltrami County Jail.

Prosecutors charged Desjarlait under Minnesota’s DWI test-refusal law. The complaint alleges two or more aggravating factors were present.

A gross misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail. It may also bring a fine of up to $3,000.

The relevant law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.

Public case information may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The complaint is an accusation. Desjarlait is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.