Laporte Man Faces 2nd-Degree DWI After Bar Parking Lot Stop

LAPORTE, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Logan Mitchell Smith, 28, faces a gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI charge following a September 26, 2026, incident in Laporte.

According to a Hubbard County criminal complaint, deputies encountered Smith while responding to a welfare check involving his girlfriend.

Investigators reported that Smith drove a white Ford Ranger into a bar parking lot during their response.

A later breath test showed an alcohol concentration of 0.09, according to court documents.

Welfare Check Leads to DWI Investigation

The investigation began around 7:02 p.m. when a deputy responded to a welfare check in Laporte.

The deputy later learned that the person involved was at another location on First Avenue Northwest.

According to the complaint, the deputy located Samantha Paige Gravley inside a back room at a bar.

Gravley reportedly told the deputy she and her boyfriend, Logan Smith, had been drinking throughout the day.

She said they had argued and that she left before the situation became physical.

Gravley reportedly told the deputy she did not feel safe returning home.

The deputy began contacting her relatives to arrange transportation.

Smith Arrives in White Ford Ranger

While the deputy was assisting Gravley, a white Ford Ranger entered the parking lot.

Gravley identified Smith as the driver, according to the complaint.

The deputy approached the pickup and spoke with Smith.

Investigators reported noticing watery eyes and an odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Smith reportedly denied consuming alcohol when questioned.

The deputy then requested field sobriety testing.

Breath Tests Show Different Alcohol Levels

During testing, the deputy reported observing unusual eye movements commonly checked during DWI investigations.

Smith reportedly explained that he was blind in his right eye.

He then provided a preliminary breath sample that registered 0.14.

Deputies arrested Smith on suspicion of impaired driving.

He was transported to the Hubbard County Jail for additional testing.

According to the complaint, Smith agreed to an official breath test after receiving the required advisory.

That test produced a final reported alcohol concentration of 0.09.

Minnesota’s general legal alcohol concentration limit for driving is 0.08.

Two Previous DWI Convictions Listed

The complaint identifies two prior qualifying impaired-driving convictions involving Smith.

The first was a fourth-degree DWI conviction entered April 29, 2019.

The second was a second-degree DWI conviction entered March 13, 2024.

Both cases were handled in Beltrami County District Court.

These prior convictions form the basis for the two aggravating factors alleged in the new charge.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.25, two qualifying aggravating factors can elevate a DWI offense to second-degree.

Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed

Smith faces one count of second-degree driving while impaired.

The charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

The case is filed under Hubbard County Court File No. 29-CR-26-881.

Possible DWI Court Participation

The complaint states Smith is eligible for screening through the Hubbard County DWI Court program.

Participation would require a substance use assessment and an intake interview with probation.

Admission is not automatic and depends on a decision by the DWI Court team.

The supplied complaint does not establish whether Smith has applied or been accepted.

Readers can search public court records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The new charge remains an allegation and does not establish guilt.

Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.