Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – A Thief River Falls man is facing third-degree DWI charges following a late-night traffic stop on April 5 at 11:23 p.m. in the 17200 block of Highway 59.
Arden Alan Comstock, 69, was arrested and charged with DWI – one aggravating factor, based on both evidence of impairment and a prior conviction.
According to the complaint:
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Comstock exhibited signs of intoxication and failed multiple field sobriety tests.
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He admitted to drinking two beers before driving.
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A preliminary breath test showed a BAC of 0.118, while a subsequent test at the Law Enforcement Center registered 0.11.
The charge was elevated to third-degree DWI due to a previous DWI conviction in 2022, which serves as the aggravating factor under Minnesota law.
Comstock was taken into custody at the scene. His case is pending further court proceedings.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
🔍 Did you know?
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A third-degree DWI in Minnesota occurs when there’s one aggravating factor, such as a prior DWI conviction within 10 years or a BAC over 0.16.
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Highways like MN-59 are often the site of late-night DWI patrols by law enforcement.
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A BAC of 0.08 or higher is over the legal limit; Comstock’s 0.11 reading is significantly elevated.
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Repeat DWI offenders may face mandatory jail time, license revocation, and ignition interlock requirements.
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Minnesota law mandates increased penalties for DWI convictions with prior offenses within the last decade.