Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji traffic stop ended in a short chase and new felony charges.
Who is charged
Demarcus James Freeman, 34, of Minneapolis, is charged with felony second-degree drug possession.
He is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Traffic stop and foot chase
A deputy stopped a tan Suburban SUV on February 20, 2026.
The deputy said the SUV had very dark window tint on Highway 71.
The stop happened around 8:42 p.m., the complaint says.
The stop took place at a convenience store on the 100 block of Convenience Lane SE in Bemidji.
Freeman told the deputy he did not have a valid driver’s license.
The deputy reported a strong smell of marijuana from the SUV.
Freeman admitted he had marijuana and had been smoking it, the complaint says.
The deputy saw a half-smoked blunt in the ashtray.
Deputies asked Freeman and a passenger to exit the SUV.
As Freeman stepped out, he ran south on foot, the complaint says.
A responding officer helped chase him.
Freeman was caught about 100 yards away, according to the complaint.
What deputies say they found
Deputies searched the SUV after the arrest, the complaint says.
They reported finding a loaded Glock 19 handgun.
The complaint says the gun was reported stolen in the Minneapolis area.
Deputies also reported finding two baggies of suspected fentanyl.
The complaint estimates the total weight at about 10 to 14 grams.
Investigators say Freeman tried to throw the baggies into snow before he was caught.
Passenger also faces allegation
The passenger was identified as Wendi Lynn Fairbanks.
The complaint says Fairbanks had more than one gram of fentanyl.
Other detail in the filing
The complaint notes a January 13, 2026 call in Elk River.
It says police were dispatched to The Bank of Elk River on Freeport Avenue NW.
The filing does not explain that event in detail.
Court process and resources
The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court.
Court records can be found through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Second-degree drug charges are covered under Minnesota Statute 152.022.
Firearm bans for felons are covered under Minnesota Statute 624.713.
Charges are allegations.
Freeman is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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Hang him
He tellin