East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fisher man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Polk County after a traffic stop in East Grand Forks.
Austin Lelann Jordan Brown is charged with traffic regulation-uninsured vehicle-owner violation. The case was filed April 2, 2026, in Polk County District Court.
The court file number is 60-CR-26-426. The charge stems from a March 28, 2026, traffic stop in East Grand Forks.
Traffic Stop In East Grand Forks
According to the criminal complaint, a police officer was on routine patrol that afternoon. The officer was driving in the 100 block of 4th Street Northwest.
The complaint says a vehicle came into the officer’s lane while passing another vehicle. The officer then turned around and stopped the vehicle near 3rd Avenue Northwest and 4th Street Northwest.
The driver was identified as Austin Brown. He told police the vehicle ahead of him was moving slowly. He said he wanted to pass it.
Police then asked Brown for proof of insurance. The complaint says Brown showed an insurance card on his phone.
Insurance Allegation
According to court documents, the insurance card showed coverage had expired on March 15, 2026.
Police checked Brown’s record for prior no-insurance convictions. The complaint says Brown had two prior convictions in Polk County.
Both prior convictions were listed with a conviction date of April 28, 2021.
Brown allegedly told police he renewed his insurance during the traffic stop. The complaint says he then showed an updated insurance card.
Brown was cited for a gross misdemeanor, no insurance. Court documents state the charge carries a mandatory court appearance.
Police gave Brown a verbal warning for the alleged improper pass.
Possible Penalty
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 169.797.
The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
More case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction. Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
