Karlstad Man Charged After Breath Test Reads .23

KARLSTAD, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Karlstad man faces two DWI charges after a June traffic investigation.

Michael Edward Wade, 58, was charged in Kittson County District Court. The charges include third-degree DWI and fourth-degree DWI.

The third-degree charge is a gross misdemeanor. It includes one alleged aggravating factor.

The fourth-degree charge is a misdemeanor. Both charges stem from an incident on June 18, 2026.

The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint. Wade is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Vehicle Reported Near Highway Center Line

Court records state a deputy was driving east on Highway 11 at about 5:15 p.m.

The deputy saw a westbound vehicle near County Road 14. The vehicle allegedly moved onto the center line.

The driver then corrected the vehicle and continued west, according to the complaint.

The deputy turned around and followed the vehicle. The driver later turned south onto Highway 59.

The complaint says the turn was very slow. It also says the driver did not use a turn signal.

The vehicle then entered the Karlstad Korner parking lot.

The deputy spoke with Wade after he left the vehicle.

The complaint alleges Wade smelled strongly of alcohol. His eyes were described as red and watery.

Wade also allegedly swayed while standing. He first denied drinking, according to court records.

He later reported drinking five or six beers several hours earlier.

The complaint says Wade completed an eye movement test. The deputy reported observing six possible signs of impairment.

Wade declined the one-leg stand test and the walk-and-turn test, according to the complaint.

He later agreed to a preliminary breath test. The reported result was .233.

Wade was arrested and taken to the Kittson County Jail.

A later evidentiary breath test reported an alcohol concentration of .23.

Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit is .08. More information is available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

The third-degree DWI charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.

It also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

The fourth-degree charge carries up to 90 days in jail. It also carries a possible $1,000 fine.

Case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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