Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces two gross misdemeanor charges after a March 17 traffic stop, a complaint says. The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court.
Charges Filed
Daniel James Isham, 33, is charged with third-degree DWI and child endangerment. Court records say two children under 16 were in the vehicle. The DWI count alleges a Schedule I or II drug, or its metabolite, was in his body. The child endangerment count alleges he placed children in a situation that could cause serious harm or death.
What the Complaint Says
According to the complaint, the traffic stop happened at about 6:15 p.m. near Orton’s Gas Station in Bemidji. The stop began after an officer saw items hanging between the driver and windshield. Authorities then identified the driver as Isham.
The complaint says two children were also inside the vehicle. The children were identified in court records by initials. Their ages were also listed in the complaint.
Investigators said Isham showed signs of recent drug use. The complaint lists rapid speech, jerky body movements, and glassy, constricted pupils. It also says Isham admitted past methamphetamine and cocaine use.
During field sobriety testing, the complaint says Isham counted 30 seconds in only 18 seconds. The complaint also says he had trouble balancing during the one-leg stand test. When asked about possible test results, the complaint says Isham said he did not know what might be found.
The complaint also says Isham told police he had been giving rides to people who recently used methamphetamine. Investigators later obtained a warrant for a blood or urine sample, according to the complaint.
Court Record Notes
The charges are allegations only. They have not been proven in court. The complaint lists both charges as gross misdemeanors. Court records show the case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
Related Resources
Minnesota DWI law
Minnesota child endangerment law
Beltrami County District Court
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
