BECKER COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Pelican Rapids man faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a traffic stop on Highway 10 in Becker County.
According to court documents, the man was allegedly driving a vehicle without a court-required ignition interlock device.
Jose Luis Perez III, 49, of Pelican Rapids, was charged following an August 6, 2026, traffic stop.
Prosecutors allege Perez violated restrictions on his Minnesota driver’s license while operating a black Dodge Charger.
Trooper Stops Dodge Charger on Highway 10
According to the criminal complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was patrolling Highway 10 in Becker County.
During the patrol, the trooper noticed a black Dodge Charger traveling without a front license plate.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop to investigate the missing plate.
When the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver was identified as Jose Luis Perez III.
Perez reportedly explained that the Dodge Charger belonged to his son.
The trooper also observed a front license plate lying across the vehicle’s dashboard.
Driver’s License Restriction Discovered
After speaking with Perez, the trooper returned to his patrol vehicle to check the driver’s license information.
According to the complaint, the records check revealed that Perez had an ignition interlock restriction on his license.
The restriction required him to operate vehicles equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device.
An ignition interlock device measures a driver’s breath alcohol concentration before allowing a vehicle to start.
These devices are commonly required for certain drivers participating in Minnesota’s ignition interlock program.
Perez Says Equipped Vehicle Was in Repair Shop
The trooper questioned Perez about whether the Dodge Charger had an ignition interlock device installed.
According to court documents, Perez acknowledged that the Dodge Charger did not have the required equipment.
He reportedly explained that his own vehicle was equipped with an ignition interlock device.
However, Perez told the trooper that his vehicle was currently at an auto repair shop.
He was allegedly driving his son’s Dodge Charger instead.
The complaint does not allege Perez was impaired by alcohol or drugs during the traffic stop.
The charge concerns the alleged violation of his restricted driver’s license.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Perez with driving a motor vehicle without a functioning ignition interlock device while subject to a license restriction.
The offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.
If convicted, Perez could face up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Additional information about restricted driver’s licenses is available under Minnesota Statute 171.09.
Details about the state’s ignition interlock program are available under Minnesota Statute 171.306.
The case is filed in Becker County District Court under court file number 03-CR-26-1619.
The criminal complaint was issued with a summons.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Perez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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