Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crookston man is facing two charges after a traffic stop in Polk County, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota District Court.
Charges Filed
James Allen Knutson, 41, of Crookston, is charged with driving after cancellation that was listed as inimical to public safety. That charge is a gross misdemeanor. He is also charged with a seat belt violation, which is a petty misdemeanor.
Court records say the incident happened on February 17, 2026, in Crookston. The complaint says Knutson was driving a maroon GMC pickup in the city when an officer saw him trying to pull a seat belt across his body.
What Investigators Allege
The complaint says the pickup was stopped in the Taco John’s parking lot near North Main Street and West 6th Street. During the stop, Knutson allegedly said he did not have a valid driver’s license. The complaint says he told authorities his license had been suspended for about 20 years and that it was tied to a past DWI arrest.
Authorities later checked his driving record. The complaint says his license had been canceled as inimical to public safety since January 21, 2007. Investigators also seized the vehicle’s Minnesota license plates and completed a plate impound form.
Court Record
The case was filed in Minnesota Judicial Branch court records under Polk County District Court. Minnesota law on driving after cancellation can be found under Minnesota Statute 171.24. The state seat belt law appears under Minnesota Statute 169.686.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are only allegations until proven in court. I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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