BEMIDJI, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a late-night traffic stop.
Dean Alan Wiese, 52, of Bemidji, allegedly admitted drinking several beers before driving on November 3, 2026.
According to a criminal complaint, a breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of 0.17.
That result was more than twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of 0.08.
Trooper Spots Vehicle Weaving Across Road
According to court documents, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was patrolling Bemidji around 12:05 a.m.
The trooper was traveling northbound from Roosevelt Road toward Paul Bunyan Drive.
During patrol, the trooper noticed a vehicle repeatedly crossing lane markings and the center line.
As the vehicle passed through Washington Avenue and Paul Bunyan Drive South, it reportedly approached roadside signs.
The complaint states the vehicle appeared close to striking signs separating the northbound and southbound lanes.
However, the vehicle did not hit them.
The trooper continued following the vehicle and observed additional weaving before initiating a traffic stop.
Driver Admits Drinking Six or Seven Beers
The driver was identified as Dean Alan Wiese.
During the traffic stop, the trooper reportedly noticed Wiese had slurred speech.
Wiese allegedly explained he was taking a passenger to an ATM and was trying to help.
He also reportedly admitted he did not have a driver’s license.
When questioned about his driving, Wiese claimed the vehicle’s headlights were not working properly.
The trooper expressed concerns about possible alcohol impairment and requested field sobriety testing.
According to the complaint, Wiese refused to perform the roadside tests.
He allegedly admitted consuming approximately six or seven beers during the previous one to two hours.
Breath Test Shows .17 Alcohol Concentration
Following the traffic stop, Wiese was taken into custody and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.
At the jail, the trooper read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory.
Unlike the roadside sobriety tests, Wiese agreed to provide a breath sample.
The complaint states the resulting alcohol concentration was 0.17.
That level exceeds Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of 0.08.
Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed
Wiese is charged with one count of third-degree driving while impaired.
The charge alleges he operated a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater within two hours of driving.
The complaint also cites the presence of an aggravating factor.
Third-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-2769.
Additional court information can be found through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charge is an allegation. Wiese is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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