Bemidji Man Faces 5 Charges After Vehicle Pursuit

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces five charges after an alleged vehicle pursuit in Beltrami County.

William David Davis, 52, faces one felony, one gross misdemeanor, and three misdemeanor charges.

The case stems from a July 27, 2026, traffic stop and subsequent arrest.

Davis is charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit

A Beltrami County deputy was monitoring traffic near Mission Road Southeast and Ten Lake Trail.

The deputy noticed a dark Honda minivan with heavily tinted windows, according to the criminal complaint.

The vehicle also allegedly had a nonworking third brake light.

The deputy activated emergency lights near Mission Road and Power Dam Road.

Prosecutors say the minivan continued driving and began accelerating away.

The deputy then activated the squad car’s siren.

The complaint says the minivan reached about 65 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The pursuit continued through several roads before ending at a residence on Bobber Loop.

Davis allegedly acknowledged that he was under arrest after stopping the vehicle.

Several people at the residence then challenged the deputy’s authority, according to the complaint.

Davis allegedly walked away despite repeated commands to remain in place.

When the deputy attempted an arrest, Davis allegedly tensed his body and pulled away.

He was eventually placed in handcuffs.

Investigators later learned Davis had an outstanding DWI warrant.

During transport, Davis allegedly admitted knowing his driver’s license was not valid.

He also acknowledged knowing about the outstanding warrant, according to prosecutors.

Davis reported drinking beer and recently using marijuana.

An officer reported observing possible signs of controlled substance impairment.

A search warrant was obtained for a blood or urine sample.

Davis provided a urine sample for toxicology testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The complaint does not include the laboratory results from that testing.

Davis faces fourth-degree DWI involving an alleged Schedule I or II controlled substance.

He also faces driving after revocation and fleeing by means other than a motor vehicle.

The felony vehicle-fleeing charge carries up to three years and one day in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $5,000.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.487 for fleeing offenses.

Additional case information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Davis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.