Naytahwaush Stop Leads to DWI Test-Refusal Charge

NAYTAHWAUSH, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A 38-year-old Lengby man faces two gross misdemeanor charges following an early-morning traffic stop in Mahnomen County.

Aaron Cody Clark is charged with refusing a court-authorized chemical test and driving after his license was canceled as inimical to public safety.

The charges stem from an October 27, 2026, incident in Naytahwaush, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

According to the complaint, an officer spotted a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado at approximately 4:03 a.m.

The officer recognized the vehicle as commonly associated with Clark and knew his driving privileges had been canceled.

After emergency lights were activated, the Silverado pulled into a driveway.

During the traffic stop, the officer reported observing unusually small pupils, facial tremors, and shaking.

Clark then participated in field sobriety testing.

The complaint alleges that he showed balance difficulties, skipped numbers during a counting exercise, and made an improper turn.

Clark was subsequently arrested and transported to a hospital in Mahnomen.

Blood and Urine Testing Unsuccessful

Authorities obtained a search warrant authorizing a blood or urine sample.

According to court documents, a nurse attempted to draw Clark’s blood but was unsuccessful because of difficulties accessing his veins.

The nurse offered to collect blood from his foot, but Clark declined that procedure.

Clark agreed to provide a urine sample and was given water.

At approximately 6:48 a.m., he attempted to provide a sample but was unable to urinate.

Authorities then transported him to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, where additional drinking water was made available.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., Clark attempted again but could not provide enough urine for testing.

The officer classified the circumstances as a chemical-test refusal, according to the complaint.

Two Gross Misdemeanor Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged Clark with refusing a blood or urine test required by a search warrant under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

The complaint identifies a prior impaired-driving-related license action as an aggravating factor.

Court documents list impaired-driving-related license actions dated January 3, 2022, and January 3, 2026.

The second charge alleges driving after cancellation of his license as inimical to public safety, under Minnesota Statute 171.24.

Both charges are classified as gross misdemeanors. Each carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Case Filed in Mahnomen County

The case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court under case number 44-CR-26-662.

The criminal complaint also references three pending driving-after-cancellation charges against Clark. Those allegations remain separate from the current case.

The complaint does not establish a conviction in this matter. Clark is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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