Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man faces six charges after an arrest in Clay County. Court records say the case started with a car in a ditch.
Vakaba William, 29, of Fargo, was charged in Clay County District Court. The incident happened at about 4:48 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
What happened
Deputies and Minnesota State Patrol troopers responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in a ditch. The caller reported a possible impaired driver.
Officers said the driver would not identify himself. He also would not hand over a license.
Authorities reported a strong smell of alcohol. They also noted slurred speech. They said his eyes looked bloodshot.
A deputy said William was unsteady at times. Records say he denied drinking.
Troopers warned him he could be arrested. Records say he still refused to identify himself.
William stayed inside a locked vehicle, records say. A trooper reached through a cracked window. The trooper then unlocked the door.
Officers pulled William from the driver’s seat, records say. They said he resisted handcuffs.
He was arrested and taken for medical clearance. Records say officers feared possible frostbite.
On the ride to jail, William threatened to spit, records say. Authorities say he then spat on a trooper’s jacket and face.
At Essentia Health, a trooper tried to place a spit mask. Records say William spat in the trooper’s face again.
Records say William later gave his real name and birth date. He also gave a second name and a different birth date.
Troopers attempted to read a breath-test advisory, records say. They said they could not finish due to his conduct. Records also say he refused chemical testing.
Charges filed
William is charged with two felony counts of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer. Prosecutors allege he transferred bodily fluids.
- Third-degree DWI.
- Second-degree DWI for refusing a chemical test.
- Obstructing legal process.
- Giving a peace officer false identification.
These charges are allegations. The case will be decided in court.
More information
You can read Minnesota DWI statutes at Chapter 169A. You can also review the fourth-degree assault law at Minnesota Statute 609.2231.
Public case access is explained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Court records also list a prior DUI conviction. That case was dated December 7, 2017, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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