Detroit Lakes, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Gaylord man is headed to state prison. The case stems from a felony DWI stop in Detroit Lakes.
Sentence in Becker County
Eduardo Ramos Garcia Jr., 47, of Gaylord, was sentenced in Becker County District Court. He pleaded guilty to felony DWI. The conviction also covered refusing chemical testing.
Judge Michael Fritz imposed a 62-month prison term on Jan. 14. Court records show 219 days of jail credit. The court also ordered a $50 fine. Court fees totaled $160.
Conditional release after prison was set for five years.
What troopers reported
Court records say the traffic stop began at about 12:20 a.m. on June 10, 2025. A state trooper reported erratic driving on westbound Highway 10. The vehicle was entering Detroit Lakes.
The trooper activated emergency lights near North Shore Drive. The vehicle did not stop. The trooper then used a spotlight.
Brake lights came on, and the driver signaled. The vehicle moved into the right lane. It kept going and did not pull over.
The trooper activated a siren near the Sandbar. The vehicle continued weaving on Highway 10. It traveled past Summit Avenue, according to records.
The trooper then used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle. The driver would not exit the car, records say. The trooper unlocked the door and removed him.
The trooper reported a strong odor of alcohol. Records also note an open beer can in the center console.
Testing refusal and plea deal
Garcia was taken to jail. He declined DWI testing, according to records. He said the stop was not valid.
Several charges were dismissed in a plea agreement. They included a second felony DWI count. They also included felony fleeing in a vehicle. A gross misdemeanor for driving after cancellation was also dropped.
Prior record and license status
Court records list a felony DWI conviction from 2013. They also state his license remains “canceled as inimical to public safety.”
Public resources
- Read Minnesota’s DWI and test refusal law: Minn. Stat. § 169A.20.
- Becker County District Court information: Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- Look up public case details on MCRO: Minnesota Court Records Online.
- Learn about impaired driving risks: NHTSA resources.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.