POLK COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — An Alabama man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge in Polk County after officers say he refused a breath test during a late-night encounter outside a Crookston bar.
Joshua Derrick Bryant, 44, of Haleyville, Alabama, is charged with Third-Degree DWI – Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. The charge was filed through a tab complaint in Polk County District Court.
The incident happened around 12:02 a.m. on November 1, 2025. According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded to a report of a fight at Crook’s Club in Crookston. As officers were managing the disturbance, a nearby vehicle began revving its engine loudly for several seconds. The noise was strong enough that it reportedly set off another vehicle’s alarm.
Deputies approached the vehicle, identified as a Chevrolet Suburban with Alabama license plates. The driver, later identified as Bryant, told officers he was “just going with everyone else.”
Officers said Bryant showed several signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor balance. They noted the odor of alcohol from the vehicle. Bryant told officers he had been drinking and said he had “quite a bit,” according to the complaint. He also said he did not plan to drive home, but officers stated he had already been operating the vehicle.
Deputies attempted to conduct field sobriety tests. Reports say Bryant did not follow instructions and repeatedly changed the subject. When asked again if he would complete testing, he avoided the question and was placed under arrest.
Bryant was taken to the Northwest Regional Correction Center for breath testing. According to the complaint, Bryant became loud and argumentative, requested an attorney, then said he did not want one. Officers read the state’s breath test advisory multiple times.
When asked to take the test, Bryant reportedly responded, “no sir, no sir, no sir.” He also argued that he had not driven the vehicle and had only been sitting in the parking lot. Officers documented that he refused to provide a breath sample.
State law mandates penalties for chemical test refusal. More information on Minnesota DWI statutes can be found at the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
The case remains active in Polk County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
