Bemidji Man Charged in Road Rage Gun Case

BEMIDJI (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces four charges after an alleged road rage incident involving a handgun.

Daniel Lee Garrison, 69, is charged in Beltrami County District Court.

The case stems from an incident reported on July 22, 2026.

Driver Reports Handgun During Road Rage

According to the criminal complaint, dispatch received a road rage report at about 3:05 p.m.

The reported incident happened near U.S. Highway 71 and Anne Street Northwest.

The other driver said a black pickup pulled beside his vehicle near a highway intersection.

Words were exchanged between the drivers, according to the complaint.

The driver alleged Garrison then pointed a handgun at him.

The complaint does not report any shots being fired or injuries.

Officers later saw a black Chevrolet pickup traveling toward Winter Sumac Road.

The complaint alleges the pickup reached 65 mph in a presumed 55 mph zone.

The pickup also crossed into the opposing lane twice, the complaint states.

An officer stopped the vehicle after it pulled into a residence.

Daniel Lee Garrison

Loaded Pistol Found in Center Console

Garrison told an officer the firearm was inside the center console.

He said the other driver had cut him off.

The complaint states officers found a Kimber .45-caliber handgun inside the console.

A round was reportedly loaded in the chamber.

A magazine containing ammunition was also found on the driver’s seat.

Garrison denied pointing the gun at the other driver.

He reportedly said he opened the console and made a hand gesture.

He maintained that he never grabbed or displayed the firearm.

Alcohol and Test Refusal Allegations

Another responding officer reported smelling alcohol while speaking with Garrison.

Garrison said he had consumed a cocktail at a Bagley golf course.

The complaint states Garrison refused field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test.

He was then transported to the Beltrami County jail.

At the jail, Garrison received the breath test advisory.

He requested an attorney but did not contact one, the complaint states.

Garrison later refused the breath test, according to prosecutors.

Four Charges Filed

Garrison faces felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

He also faces felony terroristic threats under Minnesota law.

A gross misdemeanor charge alleges refusal to submit to chemical testing.

A misdemeanor charge alleges he carried a pistol while under alcohol’s influence.

The assault charge carries a maximum seven-year sentence and a $14,000 fine.

The complaint also cites a three-year mandatory minimum provision.

The threats charge carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations.

Garrison is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.