Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man has been charged with a gross misdemeanor for refusing to submit to a chemical test following a crash on January 14, 2026.
Incident Overview
Scotty Dale Bushie, 68, was arrested after his vehicle crashed into a ditch near Bemidji Road NE. Officers discovered Bushie’s vehicle stuck in the mud, and it had collided with a “No Passing Zone” sign. The crash occurred shortly after Bushie was kicked out of the Keg N Kork bar for excessive intoxication.
Field Sobriety Test
When officers approached the scene, they noted that Bushie had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. Bushie admitted to consuming a few drinks earlier in the evening. During field sobriety testing, Bushie struggled to maintain his balance, needing support from his vehicle and the patrol car. He also disclosed that bar staff had asked him to leave due to his impairment.
Refusal to Submit to Breath Test
Bushie was taken into custody and transported to the Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center. Despite multiple requests, he refused to submit to a formal breath test.
Court Proceedings
Bail was set at $2,000 with conditions, or $12,000 without conditions, by Judge Annie P. Claesson-Huseby. Under the conditional release, Bushie must stay law-abiding and attend all court appearances. His prior criminal history includes a hit-and-run crash and inattentive driving in 2018.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.