PINE RIVER, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hackensack man faces felony charges following an alleged police pursuit through Pine River.
Charles Michael Steffen, 50, of Hackensack, is charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge involving an ignition interlock driving restriction.
The charges stem from an incident on September 25, 2026.
Police Attempt Traffic Stop
According to the criminal complaint, a Pine River police officer noticed a vehicle traveling without working taillights.
The officer activated emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle.
However, the driver allegedly refused to pull over.
Instead, the vehicle turned onto Iowa Avenue and continued eastbound.
The complaint states the vehicle eventually reached an open field.
Rather than stopping, the driver allegedly entered the field and continued fleeing.
The officer followed the vehicle across the field.
Passenger Reportedly Screamed for Driver to Stop
The vehicle eventually reached Barclay Avenue and continued westbound, according to investigators.
It then turned onto Mill Street and entered the Pine River State Bank parking lot.
During the pursuit, a passenger reportedly opened the vehicle’s door.
According to the complaint, the passenger could be heard screaming for the driver to stop.
Despite those pleas, the driver allegedly continued moving.
The vehicle returned to Barclay Avenue before turning into a residential driveway.
Investigators reported that the driver continued into a backyard.
The driver then jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot, the complaint states.
Deputies Locate Suspected Driver
Authorities began searching for the driver after the vehicle stopped.
The passenger identified the driver as Steffen, according to court documents.
The passenger also reported that Steffen had been drinking.
She claimed he had instructed her not to tell police about his drinking.
A Cass County deputy later located Steffen walking near State Highway 371.
Officers reported noticing an odor of alcohol during their contact with him.
The complaint does not list a separate DWI charge.
Ignition Interlock Violation Alleged
Investigators reviewed Steffen’s driving record following the incident.
His driver’s license was valid but carried an ignition interlock restriction, according to the complaint.
Police reported that the vehicle he allegedly drove lacked the required device.
Prosecutors charged Steffen with violating that driving restriction.
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.09.
Felony Fleeing Charge Filed
Steffen also faces a felony charge under Minnesota Statute 609.487.
The fleeing charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and one day in prison.
It also carries a possible $5,000 fine, or both penalties.
The gross misdemeanor carries a maximum of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Cass County District Court under number 11-CR-26-1450.
Readers can search the case through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Steffen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
Choose your hometown and the stories you care about.
Get My Town Alerts →Trending Stories
Greenbush Man Accused of Burning Girlfriend’s BelongingsNovember 13, 20262,717 views
Grygla Woman Charged After Dog Dies Inside VehicleNovember 9, 20262,641 views
Mayville QB Matt Donovan Breathes on His Own for 16 HoursOctober 27, 20261,863 views
Hallock Woman Accused in $14,600 Pull-Tab TheftNovember 8, 20261,792 views
Warroad Woman Faces 3 Charges After Window Tint StopNovember 9, 20261,245 views
Related Stories
Blackduck Woman Charged After 110 MPH Police Chase
Pine River Man Accused of Slashing Four Tires
Cass Lake Man Charged After 5-Mile Bemidji Pursuit
Walker: Cass County Active Warrants — Search List
Thief River Falls DWI Charge Follows .21 Breath Test
Jamestown: 70 MPH Chase Ends With Multiple Crashes
Bemidji Motorcycle Chase Hits 96 MPH, Charges Filed
Bemidji Woman Accused in Truck Theft, 90 MPH Chase
