Perham Chase Ends With Two Felony Charges

Perham (trfnews.i234.me) — Morgan Kendrick James Fincher faces two felony charges in Otter Tail County.

The charges follow an alleged vehicle pursuit on July 6, 2026.

Fincher is charged with possessing ammunition as an ineligible person. He is also charged with fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle.

Driving Complaint Leads To Pursuit

A court complaint says a deputy received a driving complaint at about 10:45 p.m.

The caller reported a vehicle failing to stay within its lane. The vehicle also nearly entered the dirt shoulder.

A deputy later found the vehicle traveling on the solid white line. The vehicle also had a broken taillight showing white light.

The deputy activated emergency lights to begin a traffic stop. The driver allegedly continued north at a high speed.

The deputy then activated the squad car siren. The initial pursuit ended when the vehicle entered Perham city limits.

Another officer followed from a distance. Authorities later located the vehicle near U.S. Highway 10 and County Road 80.

Officers again used emergency lights and a siren. The Minnesota State Patrol and Becker County deputies also assisted.

Authorities deployed stop sticks during the pursuit. The vehicle continued about one mile before entering a ditch.

The vehicle became stuck, ending the incident. Fincher was identified as the driver and only occupant.

Morgan Kendrick James Fincher

Investigators reported finding a broken glass pipe, unused foil, an empty beer can, and a dose of Narcan.

They also reported finding one shotgun shell inside the center console.

The complaint says Fincher provided a preliminary breath sample. The reported blood-alcohol concentration reading was 0.09.

A judge later approved a warrant for a blood sample. The sample was collected at a hospital early July 7.

The ammunition charge cites Minnesota Statute 624.713.

A conviction could bring up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The complaint lists a five-year minimum sentence.

The fleeing charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.487.

That charge carries up to three years and one day in prison. It also carries a possible $5,000 fine.

The complaint lists several prior felony convictions. Those include assault, domestic assault, and second-degree arson convictions.

All charges remain allegations. Fincher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.