Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – On April 4 at 11:16 p.m., police received a report of a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Greenwood Street and Barzen Avenue.
Joseph Randy Dessellier, 46, Thief River Falls, has been charged with third-degree DWI and leaving the scene of an accident/collision.
He was arrested.
According to the complaint, the other motorist said Dessellier allegedly turned wide from Greenwood Street and struck his vehicle as he was driving south on Barzen Avenue. Dessellier didn’t stop after the accident. The other driver turned around and began following him. He observed that Dessellier’s vehicle had sparks coming from the front tire area since the driver’s side front tire had shifted sideways.
The vehicle then parked at Dessellier’s home, 1201 Christopher St. A sergeant allegedly observed that the vehicle sustained damage to the front driver’s side, including the tire issue listed above.
The sergeant and an officer talked to a man who answered the door at the home. The man, who appeared to be intoxicated, said he was a passenger in Dessellier’s vehicle. He said Dessellier was afraid he would be arrested.
The sergeant saw Dessellier standing near a window and motioned for him to come to the front door. He spoke with Dessellier, who allegedly had poor balance, had slurred speech, and smelled like alcohol.
Dessellier denied knowing what was happening, denied driving the vehicle, and denied having his friend at his home. Later, he admitted to drinking alcohol.
Dessellier failed field sobriety tests and had a 0.18 BAC result on the DMT machine.
The complaint indicated that Dessellier’s driving status was revoked and he had a temporary driver’s license.