Bemidji Man Charged After DWI Traffic Stop

Bemidji Man Charged After DWI Traffic Stop

Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing a felony DWI charge after a May 1 traffic stop in Beltrami County.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Harvey Alpheus Nicholas Sr., 41, of Bemidji, is charged with first-degree DWI.

The complaint says the charge involves operating a motor vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in his body. The complaint states cannabis and hemp products are excluded from that charge.

Nicholas is also charged with driving after cancellation. Court records state his driving privileges had been canceled as inimical to public safety.

Traffic Stop Reported In Beltrami County

Authorities say the stop happened around 5:09 p.m. on May 1, 2026. A Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy was watching traffic near Delton Avenue NW and 30th Street NW.

The complaint says a light-colored Chevrolet truck was seen traveling west on 30th Street NW. Authorities reported the driver appeared to be without a seat belt.

The deputy later observed the truck turn south onto Ridgeway Avenue NW. The complaint says the truck’s third brake light appeared to be partly working.

Authorities then stopped the vehicle near 2938 Ridgeway Avenue NW.

Complaint Alleges Signs Of Impairment

The complaint says Nicholas identified himself during the stop. An adult passenger identified herself as his wife.

Authorities reported that Nicholas showed signs of possible impairment. Those signs included red and glassy eyes, fast speech, and restless movement.

The complaint says Nicholas was asked about recent substance use. Authorities allege he admitted recent use of cocaine, THC, and gabapentin.

Authorities also say Nicholas declined field sobriety testing. He was then arrested on suspicion of DWI and driving after cancellation.

During a vehicle search, authorities reported finding a device used to ingest marijuana.

Urine Sample Sent For Testing

The complaint says Nicholas was taken to the Beltrami County Jail. Authorities then obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.

Nicholas agreed to provide a urine sample, according to the complaint. The sample was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for toxicology testing.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-1012.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, first-degree DWI can carry serious penalties. The complaint lists a maximum sentence of seven years, a $14,000 fine, or both.

The driving-after-cancellation charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.24. The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Court records cited in the complaint list three prior DWI convictions from May 12, 2023. The complaint also states Nicholas is on supervised probation in a separate possession case.

More Minnesota court information can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

All charges are allegations. Nicholas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.