Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Frazee man faces felony DWI charges.
Police say the stop happened in Mahnomen early Saturday.
What Happened
Court records say the stop happened on January 18, 2026, at about 1:52 a.m.
An officer reported seeing a vehicle approach a stop sign too fast.
The vehicle then slid through the intersection.
The location was Main Street and West Jefferson Avenue in Mahnomen.
The officer started a traffic stop soon after.
Signs of Impairment
The driver was identified as Charles Allen Erickson, 53, of Frazee.
The complaint says Erickson had watery, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
The officer also reported a strong smell of alcohol from the vehicle.
Erickson allegedly said he had not been drinking.
He also claimed “something spilled” inside the vehicle.
Investigators say Erickson failed several field sobriety tests.
Breath Test Results
A preliminary breath test reportedly showed a 0.247 alcohol level.
That is about three times Minnesota’s 0.08 legal limit.
Erickson was arrested and taken to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
A formal DMT breath test at 2:54 a.m. reportedly showed a 0.24 result.
Charges Filed
The felony charge is first-degree DWI.
The complaint lists it as 0.08 within two hours.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The gross misdemeanor charge is driving after cancellation.
The complaint says the cancellation was a public safety risk.
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Authorities say his license was canceled.
The cancellation was labeled “inimical to public safety.”
Records also list a prior felony DWI conviction from 2015.
Court and Bail
The case was filed on January 20, 2026, in Mahnomen County court.
Bail was set at $1,400 with conditions, according to the record.
The court also set $14,000 bail without conditions.
A $140,000 non-cash bond option was also listed.
What to Know
Charges are allegations in a criminal complaint.
A charge is not the same as a conviction.
First-degree DWI is the highest DWI charge level in Minnesota.
You can read more at the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.
License rules are also explained by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
For impairment risks, see NHTSA’s drunk driving resource.
Alleged offense date: January 18, 2026.
Date filed: January 20, 2026.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.