Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Donald Lane Thomas is facing a gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI charge in Beltrami County District Court.
The charge was filed after a traffic stop on May 13, 2026, in Bemidji.
According to the court complaint, a caller reported a tan truck driving poorly near 15th Street Northwest and Irvine Avenue.
The caller told police the truck crossed into her lane and was “all over the road.”
Traffic Stop Reported In Bemidji
A Bemidji police officer later found the truck near Irvine Avenue Northwest and Justice Road Northwest.
The complaint says the truck was weaving inside its lane.
It also allegedly touched the fog line several times.
Police activated emergency lights near Irvine Avenue Northwest and Lakewood Drive Northwest.
The truck did not stop right away, according to the complaint.
Police said the truck moved onto the shoulder before stopping near Irvine Avenue Northwest and Nordic Avenue Northwest.
Thomas was identified as the driver.
The complaint says Thomas had watery, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
When asked how much he had to drink, Thomas allegedly answered, “Enough.”
Donald Lane Thomas
Court Complaint Details Testing
Police said Thomas had poor balance after he stepped out of the truck.
The complaint says Thomas showed six clues during a field sobriety test.
Thomas was unable to keep his balance for another test, according to court records.
He reportedly cited blood clots that affected his balance.
A preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.255, the complaint states.
Thomas was then arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
The complaint says he agreed to provide a breath sample after being read the advisory.
However, police said he could not provide enough breath for testing.
A search warrant was then prepared for a blood or urine sample.
Thomas was taken to a hospital for medical clearance, according to the complaint.
The warrant was later signed, and Thomas agreed to provide a blood sample.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Thomas is charged under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The charge also references Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The offense is listed as third-degree DWI with one or more aggravating factors.
The maximum sentence listed in the complaint is 364 days in jail.
The complaint also lists a possible fine of up to $3,000.
Court records cite a prior gross misdemeanor DWI conviction from 2006.
They also cite a prior impaired-driving license loss from 2000.
The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court.
A criminal complaint contains allegations.
Thomas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.