Roseau Seat Belt Stop Leads to Three Charges

ROSEAU, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Warroad man faces three charges following an April traffic stop in Roseau.

Alexander Sterling Nichols is charged with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety. That charge is a gross misdemeanor.

Nichols also faces a misdemeanor charge for failing to provide proof of insurance. He also faces a petty misdemeanor seat belt charge.

The charges were filed in Roseau County District Court. The court file number is 68-CR-26-293.

Stop Began With Seat Belt Observation

The complaint says a state trooper was patrolling Roseau around 2:18 p.m. on April 30.

The trooper reported seeing a Buick traveling east on Center Street East. The vehicle then turned onto 11th Avenue Northeast.

According to the complaint, the driver was not wearing a seat belt. The trooper turned around and followed the vehicle.

The Buick later turned onto Minnesota Highway 11. The trooper then activated emergency lights for a traffic stop.

The driver pulled into a nearby business parking area. The complaint says the seat belt was wrapped around his left arm.

However, it was not secured across his chest. It was also not buckled.

Alexander Sterling Nichols

Nichols told the trooper he had just left a store. He said he was traveling to a nearby house.

The complaint says Nichols did not have identification. He also said he did not have a driver’s license.

Nichols could not provide proof of vehicle insurance, according to the complaint.

A records check showed his Minnesota driving status was canceled as inimical to public safety.

The complaint says Nichols was arrested and taken to the Roseau County Jail. The vehicle remained parked at the scene.

Court records also allege Nichols had active conditions barring him from driving without a valid license.

Those conditions also required current motor vehicle insurance, according to the complaint.

The main charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.

It carries up to 364 days in jail. It also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.

The insurance allegation falls under Minnesota Statute 169.791.

The seat belt allegation falls under Minnesota Statute 169.686.

A criminal complaint contains allegations. Nichols is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.