Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a late-night traffic stop in Beltrami County, according to a criminal complaint.
Prosecutors charged Larissa Mae Fisher, 34, of Cass Lake, with driving while impaired under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. The charge was filed in Minnesota District Court in Beltrami County.
Traffic Stop Led To Investigation
According to the complaint, an officer spotted Fisher’s vehicle around 12:57 a.m. on March 4, 2026. The vehicle first drew attention in the Circle K South parking lot.
The officer ran the plate and learned the registration had expired. A stop was then initiated on Paul Bunyan Drive South near Dairy Queen.
Court records say the vehicle did not stop right away. It continued to the Valvoline South parking lot before coming to a stop.
Once contact was made, the complaint says Fisher showed several signs of impairment. Those signs included glassy eyes, unusual pupil reaction, and changing speech patterns.
Complaint Describes Alcohol And Drug Use
The complaint says Fisher had trouble following directions during the stop. After she got out of the vehicle, an officer saw a cannabis vape pen. Fisher allegedly said it contained weed and was legal.
Investigators also reported an odor of alcohol. Fisher allegedly admitted to drinking one beer. She also admitted to taking hits from the cannabis vape pen, according to the complaint.
The complaint further states Fisher gave different answers about methamphetamine use. At one point, she allegedly said she used it several weeks earlier. Later, she reportedly said she had used it four days before the stop.
During field sobriety tests, the complaint says Fisher showed several signs of impairment. Investigators also noted issues during balance and timing tests.
A preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.059. That is below the usual per se alcohol limit. Still, prosecutors allege she was impaired by a combination of substances.
Items Found After Arrest
After Fisher was arrested, the complaint says officers found a hypodermic needle in one pocket. Investigators also reported finding a metal bottle cap with a cotton filter and burn marks.
Authorities then obtained a search warrant for a blood sample. The complaint says Fisher agreed to provide blood for testing.
The charge also lists an aggravating factor. Court records cited in the complaint show Fisher had a prior fourth-degree DWI conviction in 2023. The complaint also references earlier drug possession convictions.
Fisher is charged under Minnesota Statute 169A.20 with reference to Minnesota Statute 169A.26. A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more case information, readers can review public court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online system.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
