Detroit Lakes: Callaway Man Faces DWI, Fleeing Charges

Detroit Lakes, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) Lucas John Peterson, 37, of Callaway, faces charges after an early chase. Police say he refused a breath test.

What the police say happened

Police say the incident happened at about 2:29 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026. Officers were on patrol near Detroit Lakes High School. They reported seeing a vehicle go over a curb on North Shore Drive. The vehicle then slid into a snowbank.

Police say emergency lights were activated. The vehicle pulled free and turned north onto Roosevelt Avenue. Police say the driver sped up and did not stop. Officers reported the vehicle was fleeing.

The chase ended soon after. Police say the vehicle hit another snowbank and got stuck. Officers approached and saw one man inside. Police say he moved into the front passenger seat.

What officers found

Officers removed Peterson from the vehicle, the complaint says. Police noted bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol. Police also reported an open bottle of Hennessy cognac on the front floor.

Peterson told police his brother had been driving, the complaint says. He claimed his brother ran away on foot. Police say the scene did not support that claim. They reported fresh snow around the vehicle. They also reported no footprints leaving the area. Police also noted the driver’s door was blocked by snow.

At the jail, Peterson refused a breath test, police say. He told staff he was not driving.

Charges and court action

Peterson was charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. He was also charged with a gross misdemeanor, third-degree DWI test refusal. The alleged offense date is February 5, 2026. Court records show the case was filed on February 6, 2026.

Peterson appeared in Becker County District Court. Bail was set by Judge Gretchen D. Thilmony. The complaint lists a $300 cash option. It also lists a $5,000 non-cash bond with conditions. An unconditional bail amount of $15,000 was also listed.

Charges are allegations. Peterson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Related links

• Minn. Stat. § 609.487 (fleeing).
• Minn. Stat. § 169A.20 (DWI and test refusal).
• Minn. Stat. § 169A.51 (chemical tests).
• Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
• Detroit Lakes Police Department.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.