BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji man faces a felony charge after police allegedly discovered him hiding beneath a truck at a local automotive business.
Dayton Robert Nelson, 25, of Bemidji, is charged with possession of burglary or theft tools following a September 8, 2026, investigation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, officers recovered screwdrivers and a flashlight during his arrest.
Police Respond to Early-Morning Vehicle Tampering Report
At approximately 5:17 a.m., Bemidji police and a Beltrami County deputy responded to a vehicle tampering report at Dick’s Northside.
Officers began searching the business’s vehicle lot for suspicious activity.
One officer searched inside the lot using a floodlight while another checked the property’s perimeter.
According to court documents, the deputy noticed movement beneath a vehicle near the western fence line.
Suspect Discovered Hiding Under Truck
The officers approached the area where the movement had been spotted.
According to the complaint, a man wearing a tan shirt and black hat was found underneath a truck.
The deputy ordered the man to stand up.
Officers identified him as Nelson and placed him under arrest.
During a search following the arrest, police reportedly recovered a flashlight and screwdrivers from Nelson.
Investigators included those items as evidence supporting the alleged possession of burglary or theft tools.
Security Video Allegedly Shows Camera Tampering
The owner of Dick’s Northside provided surveillance footage to investigators.
According to the complaint, the footage showed Nelson moving through the lot and ducking behind parked vehicles.
He was reportedly wearing a hat and mask.
Investigators allege Nelson noticed a security camera and turned his hat around to conceal his face.
He then allegedly approached the camera and pushed it upward, obstructing its view.
Additional footage reportedly showed Nelson holding what appeared to be a flashlight.
The complaint does not establish that any vehicles were stolen or that property was damaged during the incident.
Previous Criminal Convictions Cited
Investigators also reviewed Nelson’s criminal history.
The complaint lists previous convictions involving theft, vehicle tampering, receiving stolen property, and fleeing on foot.
Those previous convictions are separate from the current felony allegation.
Nelson was transported to the Beltrami County Jail following his arrest.
According to the complaint, he was subsequently released.
Felony Possession of Burglary Tools Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Nelson under Minnesota Statute 609.59.
The law prohibits possessing tools or devices with the intent to use them to commit burglary or theft.
The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of three years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Prosecutors must establish the required criminal intent. Possessing ordinary tools alone does not necessarily constitute this offense.
The supplied complaint lists one felony charge and does not include separate theft or burglary charges.
Beltrami County Court Case
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2444.
The criminal complaint lists a summons for Nelson.
The allegation has not been proven in court. Nelson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Additional case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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