Crookston DWI Case: Grand Forks Man Charged
Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grand Forks man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge in Polk County Court.
Court records state that Joseph Donald Eaton, 60, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was charged with second-degree DWI. The charge alleges he drove under the influence of a controlled substance.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District Court. The court file number is 60-CR-26-726.
Traffic Stop On Highway 2
According to the complaint, the traffic stop happened on May 28, 2026. It occurred at about 9:28 p.m. on U.S. Highway 2 in Polk County.
A Polk County deputy reported seeing a Buick Century traveling westbound. The vehicle had an Arkansas license plate. The complaint says it was missing a passenger-side headlight.
The driver was identified as Eaton through an Arkansas driver’s license.
The complaint says the deputy observed several signs of possible drug impairment. Those signs included constricted pupils, glossy eyes, fidgeting, and trouble sitting still.
Eaton allegedly told the deputy he had smoked marijuana that morning.
Joseph Donald Eaton
Blood Sample Taken After Arrest
The complaint says Eaton performed field sobriety testing. He was then arrested for DWI.
Authorities transported him to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.
Court records say Eaton later admitted past methamphetamine use. He reportedly said the use was not recent.
Under Minnesota law, methamphetamine is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance. More information is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood or urine sample. The complaint says a blood sample was collected at 11:40 p.m.
The charge was filed under the Minnesota DWI law. Related statute information can be found under Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
Prior DUI Suspensions Listed
The complaint lists two prior impaired driving incidents from Arkansas.
Those records include a DUI suspension on July 31, 2016. A second DUI suspension was listed on October 7, 2017.
Because of those prior incidents, prosecutors charged the case as second-degree DWI. The maximum penalty listed is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Eaton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Public court information may be searched through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.