Bemidji Man Faces DWI, Interlock Charges

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces two gross misdemeanor charges following a June traffic stop in Beltrami County.

Skyler Ronald Knotts, 30, is charged with driving while impaired. He also faces a charge for driving without a required ignition interlock device.

The charges were filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court. The case is listed as court file 04-CR-26-1308.

Traffic Stop on Gull Lake Loop Road

According to the criminal complaint, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle for speeding on June 6, 2026.

The stop happened along Gull Lake Loop Road Northeast in Beltrami County.

Knotts was identified as the driver, according to the complaint. The deputy reported smelling alcohol while speaking with him.

The complaint also states that Knotts had a flushed face. His eyes were described as bloodshot and watery.

A records check showed that Knotts had a restricted driver’s license. The restriction required an approved ignition interlock device.

Investigators allege that the vehicle did not have a functioning interlock device.

Knotts agreed to complete field sobriety tests, according to the court filing.

The deputy reported seeing additional signs of possible impairment during those tests.

A preliminary breath test produced a reading of 0.119, the complaint states.

Knotts was then arrested and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.

At the jail, he received the state’s breath-test advisory. He was also offered an opportunity to contact an attorney.

A later evidentiary breath test reported an alcohol concentration of 0.08.

The first charge alleges Knotts had an alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 within two hours of driving.

That count was filed under Minnesota’s DWI law.

Prosecutors allege that two prior DWI convictions created aggravating factors in the new case.

The complaint lists prior gross misdemeanor convictions from 2019 and 2025.

The second count alleges Knotts violated the restrictions placed on his driver’s license.

Information about Minnesota’s program is available through the Ignition Interlock Device Program.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. Each also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

Charges are allegations and do not prove guilt. Knotts is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Public court information can be found through the Minnesota Court Records Online system.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.