New York Mills Man Faces DWI Charges After .16 Test

New York Mills (trfnews.i234.me) — A New York Mills man faces two gross misdemeanor DWI charges in Otter Tail County.

Nathaniel Jahn Briggs, 26, was charged in Otter Tail County District Court. The case was filed under court number 56-CR-26-1411.

The complaint alleges Briggs drove a maroon Dodge Ram on June 15, 2026. The truck had no license plates, according to the filing.

Deputies Respond to Driving Complaint

Deputies responded around 5:17 p.m. after receiving a driving complaint. A witness reported seeing Briggs driving through a field while drinking beer.

The witness said Briggs entered the property to retrieve his dog. Deputies later found Briggs near the pickup.

The complaint says the truck’s hood and wheel areas felt warm. Investigators believed the vehicle had recently been running.

Briggs first denied driving, according to the complaint. He later admitted operating the pickup.

Deputies reported smelling alcohol while speaking with Briggs. He allegedly said he had consumed one or two shots.

Field Tests and Arrest

A standard eye test was not completed because Briggs reported earlier injuries. Deputies also skipped a walking test because of the gravel road.

Briggs completed a one-leg stand test instead. The complaint says he swayed, struggled with balance, and raised his foot incorrectly.

A preliminary breath test showed an alcohol concentration of .191, according to the complaint.

Briggs was arrested and taken to the Otter Tail County Detention Facility. He requested legal advice before taking another breath test.

The complaint says Briggs spoke with several attorneys. He agreed to provide a breath sample after about one hour.

The final breath test was completed at 7:32 p.m. It showed an alcohol concentration of .16, according to the filing.

Two Gross Misdemeanor Charges

The complaint lists two gross misdemeanor counts. One is alleged to have been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The second count alleges an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher within two hours. Prosecutors also alleged two aggravating factors.

Each count carries a possible sentence of 364 days in jail. Each also carries a possible $3,000 fine.

The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20 and Minnesota Statute 169A.25. Those laws cover impaired driving offenses and related penalties.

Court records state Briggs had a prior DWI conviction. That case carried a sentencing date of March 16, 2026.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Charges are allegations. Briggs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.