Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Solway man is facing two charges after a March 21 incident in Beltrami County, according to a criminal complaint.
Christian Michael Magnan, 33, is charged with third-degree DWI and driving after revocation. The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court.
Charges Filed
The complaint says Magnan faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge. Prosecutors allege his alcohol level was 0.16 or more within two hours of driving.
The second charge is a misdemeanor count of driving after revocation. Court records list the case as file number 04-CR-26-693.
What the Complaint Says
According to the complaint, a gas station worker in Solway reported an impaired driver on March 21 at about 4:30 p.m.
The worker said a man honked his horn several times. The man also walked in and out of the store.
The complaint says the man then left in a light-colored Honda SUV. The vehicle was later tied to Christian Michael Magnan.
About 80 minutes later, authorities found the SUV at a nearby liquor store in Beltrami County, according to the complaint.
The complaint says the vehicle was still running. Magnan was the only person inside.
Investigators reported signs of alcohol use. The complaint lists an odor of alcohol, red watery eyes, and slow movements.
The complaint also says Magnan admitted to drinking about 20 minutes earlier.
Test Results
According to the filing, field sobriety tests showed signs of impairment. A preliminary breath test allegedly showed a 0.22 alcohol concentration.
After arrest, Magnan agreed to a breath test at the Beltrami County Jail, the complaint says.
That test allegedly measured 0.24 at about 7 p.m. The complaint says that was within two hours of the initial encounter.
Case Status
Magnan has been charged, but not convicted. The charges are allegations until proven in court.
Readers can review the Minnesota DWI law at Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
Readers can also review the revoked license law at Minnesota Statute 171.24.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
