BELTRAMI COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji woman is facing a felony drunk driving charge after a traffic stop in Beltrami County, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court.
Crystal Leah Cloud, 41, was charged with first-degree DWI. The complaint says the case involves Schedule I or II drugs or their metabolites, excluding cannabis or hemp. The charge is a felony. It carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $14,000 fine, or both.
Traffic Stop in Bemidji
According to the complaint, authorities tracked a blue Honda CRV into Bemidji on March 19, 2026. Investigators said they saw the vehicle cross the fog line and drive along the curb line. The vehicle was then stopped near 8th Street and Bemidji Avenue.
Cloud was identified as the driver, according to the complaint. Court records say Jackson Brusewitz was in the front passenger seat. Akeisha Cloud-Tejohn was in the back seat.
The complaint says Cloud showed signs of impairment during the stop. Investigators reported slurred speech, facial tremors, and nervous hand movements. The complaint also says she had trouble finding proof of insurance.
Search, Tests, and Blood Sample
According to the complaint, Cloud consented to a vehicle search. Investigators reported finding drug paraphernalia in the driver’s door pocket. They also reported finding a digital scale in the glove box.
The complaint says officers also found controlled substances on Brusewitz. That allegation was included in the court filing. No charge details for Brusewitz were listed in the complaint provided here.
Cloud was then given field sobriety tests, according to the complaint. Investigators said she showed several signs of impairment. She was arrested on suspicion of DWI.
Authorities later obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample, the complaint says. Court records say Cloud first agreed to provide a urine sample. Investigators then claimed her actions amounted to a refusal. The complaint says she later agreed to a blood draw at Sanford ER.
Prior DWI History Cited
The complaint says Cloud has three prior DWI convictions from 2019 and 2020. It also says she has a prior impaired-driving related license loss tied to a pending case. Prosecutors used that history to support the first-degree DWI charge.
Court records also say Cloud was on release conditions in other pending criminal matters when this case began. Those are allegations in court records. They are not convictions in this case.
The charge filed in this case remains only a criminal accusation. Cloud is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Related Resources
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Beltrami County
Minnesota Statutes
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
