Bemidji, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop tied to a hit-and-run investigation, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.
The complaint names Joseph William Folstrom, 44, as the defendant. He is charged with first-degree DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and driving after cancellation.
Charges Filed In Beltrami County
Court records say the case was filed in the Minnesota District Court for Beltrami County. The complaint lists the incident date as February 25, 2026.
The felony count accuses Folstrom of refusing a chemical test after allegedly driving or being in control of a motor vehicle. The second count accuses him of driving after his license was canceled, as inimical to public safety.
State law on DWI test refusal can be found under Minnesota Statute 169A.20. The driving cancellation law appears under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
What The Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint, police stopped a distinct Ford F-150 at about 9:47 p.m. in Bemidji. Officers had been looking for the truck after a reported hit-and-run earlier that day.
The complaint says the pickup continued through a roundabout before stopping in the Dollar General parking lot. Police then identified the driver as Folstrom.
Investigators wrote that Folstrom appeared confused and lethargic. The complaint also says his eyes were watery and that officers smelled alcohol.
When asked about the earlier crash, Folstrom allegedly said the vehicle had been involved. When asked if he hit another vehicle, the complaint says he answered, “maybe.”
The complaint states Folstrom refused to get out of the truck at first. It also says he grabbed a vodka bottle and tried to drink from it. Officers then removed him from the vehicle, according to the filing.
Police also reported finding a methamphetamine pipe in his pocket. The complaint says Folstrom refused a preliminary breath test and refused field sobriety testing.
After being taken to a testing room, Folstrom was read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory twice, the complaint says. Investigators allege he then refused to provide a breath sample and gave no reason for refusing.
Prior Convictions Listed
The complaint also lists earlier convictions tied to Folstrom’s record. Those listed convictions include prior DWI cases in Beltrami and Dakota counties. The filing also mentions earlier convictions for fleeing a peace officer and third-degree assault.
Those prior convictions are important because they can affect how Minnesota charges felony-level DWI cases.
Folstrom now faces the charges listed in the complaint. A criminal complaint contains allegations. It is not a conviction.
For more on Minnesota court records, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Information about local law enforcement is available through the City of Bemidji.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.