Brooks (trfnews.i234.me) — A St. Hilaire man is facing DWI and firearm-related charges after a pickup was found in a ditch near Brooks.
Joshua Steven Anderson is charged in Red Lake County District Court with gross misdemeanor DWI.
He is also charged with unlawful transportation of a firearm.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file 63-CR-26-9.
Pickup Found In Ditch
According to the complaint, the incident happened January 8, 2026.
A deputy received a report of a vehicle in the ditch east of Brooks.
The vehicle was found near County Road 92 and 240th Street Southeast.
The complaint says the vehicle was a white 1995 GMC Sierra.
The pickup was running when authorities arrived.
Anderson was seated inside the vehicle, according to court documents.
When he saw law enforcement, Anderson exited the pickup.
Authorities reported that Anderson had trouble keeping his balance.
The complaint also says his speech was slurred.
Authorities reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol.
Breath Test Reported At .21
When asked about drinking, Anderson allegedly denied consuming alcohol.
He provided his driver’s license and was identified by authorities.
Before field testing, Anderson said he had a knife in his pocket.
The knife was removed and secured, according to the complaint.
Authorities then conducted field sobriety testing.
The complaint says Anderson had bloodshot and watery eyes.
Authorities reported several signs of impairment during the eye test.
A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a result of 0.255.
Anderson was then placed under arrest for DWI.
At the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson agreed to a breath test.
The complaint says the DataMaster test showed an alcohol concentration of 0.21.
Handgun Reported Inside Pickup
Authorities searched the vehicle after the arrest.
The complaint says an unholstered handgun was found on the driver’s side floor.
The firearm was secured as evidence.
The DWI charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The firearm count is listed under Minnesota Statute 97B.045.
The DWI count carries up to 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.
The firearm count carries up to 90 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $1,000 fine.
The charges are only accusations at this stage.
Anderson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
