Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji woman is facing gross misdemeanor DWI charges in Beltrami County District Court.
Rachel Lynn Northbird, 42, has been charged in Beltrami County Court following a May 1 traffic stop in Bemidji.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-999.
Charges Filed In Beltrami County
According to the criminal complaint, Northbird is charged with two gross misdemeanor counts.
The first count alleges DWI with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.
The second count alleges driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Court documents say aggravating factors were listed in the case.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
Each charge also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.
More information about Minnesota DWI laws is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Traffic Stop Reported In Bemidji
The complaint says the stop happened around 12:47 a.m. on May 1.
A Minnesota State Patrol officer reported seeing a vehicle weaving on Paul Bunyan Drive Southeast.
The complaint says the vehicle crossed the center line and later drove over the fog line.
The vehicle was stopped near the 600 block of Washington Avenue.
Court records say the vehicle stopped near the Lueken’s South parking lot.
The complaint says the vehicle then moved forward before stopping in the parking lot.
Rachel Lynn Northbird
Breath Test Alleged In Complaint
The officer reported signs of impairment during contact with Northbird.
The complaint says Northbird had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
Court records also allege a strong odor of alcohol was noted.
Northbird allegedly said she was trying to go home.
The complaint says her home was north of the stop location.
However, the vehicle had been traveling south, according to court records.
Northbird was asked to take field sobriety tests.
The complaint says she did not perform those tests satisfactorily.
A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a result of 0.179.
Northbird was then arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
Authorities later conducted a breath test after the required process.
The complaint says the DMT breath test showed a 0.16 result at 2:12 a.m.
Court records also cite a prior third-degree DWI conviction from April 3, 2019.
Case details may be searched through the Minnesota Court Records Online system.
All charges are allegations. Northbird is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.