Detroit Lakes Man Charged in Motorcycle DWI Case

Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after authorities say he was found driving a motorcycle while impaired.

According to court documents, Matt Victor Paavola, 50, of Detroit Lakes, is charged with third-degree driving while impaired.

The charge was filed in Becker County District Court. The case involves an alleged impaired motorcycle ride on June 27, 2026, in Detroit Lakes.

Motorcycle Complaint Leads to Traffic Stop

Court records state that authorities received a complaint about a white motorcycle traveling north on Washington Avenue.

The caller reported that the motorcycle driver appeared too intoxicated to drive.

The motorcycle had North Dakota license plates and was reported to be swerving.

Authorities later observed the motorcycle turn onto U.S. Highway 10 from Summit Avenue.

The driver was stopped and identified as Paavola.

According to the complaint, Paavola had difficulty getting the motorcycle kickstand secured.

Officials reported that he showed signs of possible impairment.

The complaint states Paavola had bloodshot and watery eyes.

It also states his speech was slurred and an odor of alcohol was detected.

Paavola reportedly believed he was traveling on Interstate 94 at the time.

Mugshot of Matt Victor Paavola. Courtesy of court records.

Breath Test and Additional Allegations

According to the complaint, Paavola agreed to field sobriety testing.

Authorities said the testing led them to believe he was impaired.

A preliminary breath test reportedly showed a result of .18.

Paavola was arrested and taken to the Becker County Jail.

Court documents state a warrant was later obtained for blood or urine testing.

Paavola complied with the warrant, according to the complaint.

The complaint also states that Paavola told authorities he had consumed cannabis before operating the motorcycle.

Previous DWI Conviction Listed

Court records show Paavola had a prior DWI conviction on March 16, 2025.

The current charge includes an aggravating factor, making the offense a gross misdemeanor.

If convicted, the charge carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.

All charges are allegations, and Paavola is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For more Minnesota court and public safety updates, visit TRF News.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.