Bemidji Man Charged In Beltrami DWI Case
Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man is facing three charges after a traffic stop in Beltrami County.
Leon Louis Donnell Jr., 44, of Bemidji, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.
The charges include second-degree DWI, no proof of insurance, and driving after revocation.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-1083.
Traffic Stop On Irvine Avenue NW
According to the criminal complaint, the traffic stop happened on May 11, 2026.
A Beltrami County deputy reported seeing a vehicle traveling south on Irvine Avenue NW.
The complaint says the vehicle did not have a front license plate displayed.
The deputy stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Donnell.
Court documents say Donnell did not have a valid driver’s license.
The complaint also says the vehicle was not insured.
The deputy reported signs that raised concern about possible drug impairment.
Those signs included sweating, rapid body movements, twitching, and poor balance.
Field Tests And Blood Sample
Donnell was asked to step out of the vehicle for field sobriety testing.
The complaint says Donnell reported a rapid heartbeat and a dry mouth.
He also allegedly said he used Suboxone and marijuana that day.
He allegedly said he had used methamphetamine and heroin in the past.
However, he claimed he had been sober from those drugs for about one year.
The complaint says Donnell had trouble following directions during testing.
He also allegedly showed eyelid tremors and facial muscle tremors.
Authorities said a 14-year-old passenger was also inside the vehicle.
Donnell was taken to Sanford Bemidji Hospital.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood or urine sample.
Court documents say Donnell provided a blood sample.
The sample was to be sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Charges Listed In Court Records
The most serious charge is second-degree DWI.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
It also references Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
That charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor.
The maximum sentence listed is 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
Donnell is also charged with failing to carry proof of insurance.
That charge cites Minnesota Statute 169.791.
He is also charged with driving after revocation.
That charge cites Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Both traffic charges are listed as misdemeanors.
Each carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.
Each also carries a possible $1,000 fine.
The complaint says Donnell’s driver’s license was revoked.
It also lists prior convictions for DWI, no insurance, and driving after revocation.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction.
Donnell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.