Crookston Man Faces DWI Refusal, Gun Charges

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Clinton Gerald Mugele faces three charges following an August incident at a Crookston hotel.

The charges include DWI test refusal, carrying a pistol while impaired, and disorderly conduct.

The case is filed in Polk County District Court.

Man Found Unresponsive Near Pickup

According to the complaint, officers responded around 11:45 a.m. on August 13, 2026.

The call involved an unresponsive man beside a black Ford F-150 at Amerivu Hotel.

Officers found Mugele lying face down near the open driver’s door.

The complaint says he was breathing but initially unresponsive.

An officer reported smelling alcohol and seeing an open pint of Tito’s vodka.

Vehicle keys were found on the driver’s seat, according to the complaint.

Mugele eventually responded while officers tried to wake him.

When asked how much he drank, Mugele allegedly answered, “enough.”

He was later taken by ambulance to Riverview ER.

Loaded Pistol Found In Truck

While securing the pickup, officers reported finding several items inside the vehicle.

The complaint says those items included THC products, marijuana joints, and a 9mm pistol.

The pistol was found inside a holster in the center console.

Investigators said the firearm had a magazine inserted and ammunition in the chamber.

The handgun was also within reach of the driver’s seat, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors allege Mugele possessed the pistol while under the influence of alcohol.

Complaint Describes Hospital Disturbance

The complaint says Mugele became disruptive while receiving medical care.

Investigators allege he yelled, made threats, and challenged an officer to fight.

Hospital staff reportedly asked Mugele to calm down because other patients were nearby.

Authorities then obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.

Mugele was told that refusing the court-authorized test could result in a criminal charge.

After medical clearance, he was transported to the Northwest Regional Correctional Center.

Blood Or Urine Test Allegedly Refused

The complaint says Mugele continued to be uncooperative at the correctional center.

A medical professional arrived to obtain the court-ordered sample.

Mugele allegedly stated that he would not provide either blood or urine.

Authorities again warned him that refusal could result in a criminal charge.

The complaint says Mugele responded that he understood and still refused.

Three Charges Filed In Polk County

The test-refusal count is a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

That charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

The pistol charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 624.7142.

It carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.

The disorderly conduct charge carries the same maximum misdemeanor penalties.

The case is filed as 60-CR-26-1187 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

Mugele is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.