Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing a felony DWI charge after a traffic stop in Beltrami County.
Joseph Robert Fear is charged in Beltrami County District Court with first-degree DWI.
The charge involves allegedly operating a motor vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in his body.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 04-CR-26-793.
Traffic Stop On Bemidji Avenue
According to the complaint, the stop happened on April 4, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m.
A Beltrami County deputy was on patrol on Bemidji Avenue North.
The complaint says a vehicle was stopped because its license plate light was not working.
The driver was identified as Joseph Robert Fear.
Authorities reported that Fear showed signs of recent drug use.
Those signs allegedly included dilated pupils and glassy eyes.
A driving record check also showed an ignition interlock restriction, according to court documents.
Joseph Robert Fear
Complaint Alleges Methamphetamine Admission
Authorities asked Fear to perform field sobriety tests.
The complaint says he had balance problems during testing.
Those issues were noted during the walk-and-turn test.
They were also reported during the one-leg-stand test.
The complaint says Fear estimated 30 seconds in 38 actual seconds.
Authorities also allege Fear admitted to using methamphetamine a few hours before driving.
Fear was then placed under arrest, according to the complaint.
A search warrant was later obtained for a blood or urine sample.
The sample was collected and sent for analysis.
Testing information is commonly handled by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Felony First-Degree DWI Charge
Fear is charged under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.24.
The charge is listed as a felony.
It carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
It also carries a possible $14,000 fine, or both.
The complaint says Fear has three prior non-felony DWI convictions within ten years.
The complaint also lists prior convictions for motor vehicle theft, drug possession, burglary, and drug sale.
The charge is only an accusation at this stage.
Fear is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.