Fergus Falls Man Charged in High-BAC DWI Case

Fergus Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Dalton man faces two gross misdemeanor DWI charges in Otter Tail County.

Derek Allen Grothe, 34, was charged with two counts of second-degree driving while impaired.

The case was filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District under court file 56-CR-26-1307.

The complaint lists the alleged offense date as June 5, 2026. However, its probable-cause statement describes a June 6 traffic stop.

Wrong-Way Driving Reported

Police said a black 2017 Ford F-150 entered the wrong lane on South Tower Road.

The truck was traveling south in the northbound lane, according to the complaint.

The vehicle later crossed a concrete median before continuing south. An officer turned around and stopped the truck on Westside Drive.

Grothe allegedly struggled to find his driver’s license. The complaint says he first handed over two other cards.

Police reported bloodshot eyes, slow speech, and an odor of alcohol. Grothe allegedly said he had consumed three cocktails.

The complaint says Grothe appeared unsteady after leaving the truck.

Police reported that he stumbled several times and used the vehicle for support.

During field tests, Grothe allegedly missed heel-to-toe steps and stepped off the line.

He later declined the one-leg stand test, according to the complaint.

Two roadside breath tests reportedly produced readings of 0.240 and 0.231.

A later evidentiary breath test showed 0.23 grams per 210 liters of air.

Minnesota’s legal driving limit is 0.08 for most drivers.

State law provides enhanced penalties when a test result reaches 0.16 or higher.

Readers can review Minnesota’s DWI law and second-degree DWI statute.

The complaint cites a 2022 gross misdemeanor DWI conviction as an aggravating factor.

That case was also filed in Otter Tail County, according to court documents.

Each current charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.

Each charge also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.

The complaint contains allegations and does not prove guilt.

Grothe is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.