Crookston, Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man is facing gross misdemeanor DWI charges after a late-night traffic stop in Crookston, according to a criminal complaint filed in Polk County District Court.
Prosecutors charged Daniel Russell Newell, 37, with second-degree driving while impaired and third-degree driving while impaired. The complaint says the case stems from a traffic stop on March 16, 2026.
Traffic Stop in Crookston
According to the complaint, an officer on patrol saw a white pickup traveling through Crookston around 9:26 p.m. The officer first believed the truck had no taillights. The complaint says the taillights were later confirmed to be on.
The officer then reported seeing the pickup make a sudden lane change on West 6th Street. The complaint also says the driver failed to properly signal a left turn before reaching an intersection.
Investigators said the truck continued on an indirect route. The complaint says that route appeared unusual and raised concern.
The truck was then stopped on Memorial Drive near Thorndale Avenue.
Driver Identified and Tested
The complaint identifies the driver as Daniel Russell Newell of Grand Forks. The officer reported watery, bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol.
According to the complaint, Newell gave unclear answers about where he lived and where he was going. He also said he was unfamiliar with the area. The complaint says he admitted drinking about six to eight beers.
During field sobriety testing, the complaint says Newell showed signs of impairment on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Because of a reported hip injury, no other standard field tests were given.
A preliminary breath test showed a reading of 0.163, according to the complaint. After arrest, Newell was taken to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.
Breath Test and Charges
The complaint says Newell later agreed to a DataMaster breath test after being advised of his rights. The first sample reportedly measured 0.201. The second sample reportedly measured 0.209. The final reported alcohol concentration was 0.20.
Prosecutors allege Newell had a prior impaired driving-related license loss in 2024. That prior incident is listed as an aggravating factor in the case.
The second-degree charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and Minnesota Statute 169A.25. The third-degree charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The Crookston Police Department investigated the case.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.