Bemidji Man Charged After Liquor Store Crash

Bemidji, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) Derek James Hunt of Bemidji is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges after a reported crash at a local liquor store, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County.

Crash Reported at Bemidji Business

Authorities say the case began around 12:30 p.m. on November 10, 2025. A caller reported that a vehicle hit the Lakes Liquor building on Irvine Avenue Northwest in Bemidji.

According to the complaint, a wooden support beam for the store awning was broken and knocked to the ground. Surveillance video allegedly showed a tan GMC Yukon driving over a parking barrier and hitting the beam before leaving the area.

Court records say a woman was also with the driver at the time. Investigators later traced the Yukon to a used car lot on Fairgrounds Road.

Charges Filed Against Derek James Hunt

The complaint says the vehicle had just returned from a test drive. Investigators then went to a home in Beltrami County and found Derek James Hunt there.

According to the complaint, Hunt said a broken ankle caused him to hit the post at Lakes Liquor. Investigators also reported signs they believed were consistent with impairment.

A preliminary breath test reportedly showed a 0.0 alcohol concentration. The complaint says investigators later obtained a warrant for a urine sample.

Hunt was charged with first-degree DWI involving a Schedule I or II substance or metabolite, excluding cannabis or hemp. He was also charged with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.

Prior Convictions Cited

The complaint also cites a prior felony first-degree DWI conviction from 2016. It lists several other past convictions, including drug, theft, fleeing, and driving-related offenses.

As in all criminal cases, the charges are allegations unless proven in court.