Beltrami County ( trfnews.i234.me ) — Woman Accused of Fleeing and Resisting Arrest After DWI Stop
A Bemidji woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from a deputy and resisting arrest during a late-night traffic stop. According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Maria Louisa Fairbanks, 36, has been charged with obstructing a peace officer, fourth-degree DWI, and fleeing on foot.
The incident occurred around 11:23 p.m. on September 23, 2025. According to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling eastbound on 15th Street Northwest when he noticed a dark-colored Toyota pickup with a broken passenger-side taillight. The deputy initiated a traffic stop near 15th Street and Minnesota Avenue Northwest.
Upon making contact, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol and noticed that the driver, identified as Fairbanks, had glassy eyes and appeared impaired. During field sobriety testing, Fairbanks reportedly showed signs of methamphetamine use, including muscle spasms, poor balance, tremors, and rapid body movements. She later admitted to having used meth within the past 24 hours.
The deputy also learned Fairbanks had an active arrest warrant. When informed she was being placed under arrest, she allegedly ran from the deputy. After a short foot pursuit, the deputy caught up to her, but Fairbanks resisted arrest, pulling away and grabbing the deputy’s arm. She was eventually restrained and taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia. A search warrant was obtained, and Fairbanks provided a urine sample, which was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for toxicology testing.
Prior Convictions
According to court records, Fairbanks has prior convictions for:
- Disorderly Conduct – Beltrami County (2025)
- Domestic Assault – Scott County (2025)
- Disorderly Conduct – Cass County (2020)
Charges and Penalties
Fairbanks faces the following charges:
- Count I: Obstructing Legal Process (Gross Misdemeanor) — up to 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine
- Count II: Fourth-Degree DWI – Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor) — up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
- Count III: Fleeing a Peace Officer on Foot (Misdemeanor) — up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
The case remains under review in Beltrami County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
