Clearwater County: Gagnon Faces DWI After 0.19 Test

CLEARWATER COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Christopher Charles Gagnon, 19, faces a gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI charge.

The charge follows an early morning incident on September 29, 2026, in Clearwater County.

According to a criminal complaint, police found Gagnon inside a running Chevrolet Avalanche that was stuck in a ditch.

A later breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.19, more than twice Minnesota’s legal driving limit.

Police Find SUV Stuck in Clearwater County Ditch

At approximately 2:20 a.m., White Earth Police encountered a Chevrolet Avalanche on Lower Rice Lake Road.

The SUV was stuck in a ditch near the intersection of 131st Avenue.

According to the complaint, the vehicle’s engine was running and its headlights were on.

Police observed two men inside the SUV.

When the passenger noticed the approaching patrol vehicle, he reportedly ran into nearby woods.

Officers approached the driver, identified as Christopher Charles Gagnon.

Investigators reported that Gagnon had severely slurred speech and difficulty maintaining his balance.

They also reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.

According to the complaint, Gagnon nearly fell several times while standing outside the vehicle.

Driver Arrested Following Roadside Investigation

Police detained Gagnon while investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle.

The complaint states that he initially resisted some instructions but later complied.

Officers attempted to conduct a roadside sobriety test.

However, Gagnon reportedly refused to sit down and pulled away during the attempted examination.

Police subsequently informed Gagnon that he was under arrest.

Officers later located and detained the passenger who had fled into the woods.

Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.19 Alcohol Level

Following the arrest, police transported Gagnon to the Clearwater County Jail.

Investigators conducted a breath alcohol test using a DataMaster testing device.

The observation period began at approximately 3:28 a.m.

According to the complaint, the first breath test produced an insufficient result.

A second test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.19.

The complaint states that this reading was obtained within two hours of the alleged driving incident.

Earlier DWI Citation Listed as Aggravating Factor

Investigators also reviewed Gagnon’s driving history.

The complaint states that his driver’s license had been revoked following a September 20, 2026, DWI citation.

That incident occurred nine days before the latest alleged offense.

Prosecutors cite the prior license revocation and reported 0.19 alcohol reading as two aggravating factors.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.25, two qualifying aggravating factors can elevate a DWI offense to second-degree DWI.

The definition of aggravating factors appears in Minnesota Statute 169A.03.

The earlier citation does not, by itself, establish a previous criminal conviction.

Possible Penalties and Court Proceedings

Second-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

A conviction can carry up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Those penalties are maximum possibilities, not a sentence imposed on Gagnon.

The complaint lists Clearwater County District Court case number 15-CR-26-349.

The case falls within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Readers can search for public case updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The supplied complaint does not establish a final outcome or conviction.

Gagnon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.