Stephen Driver Charged After Ditch Crash

Stephen, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Stephen man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a vehicle went into a ditch west of town, according to a criminal complaint filed in Marshall County District Court.

The defendant is identified as Louw Andrew Roets, 39, of Stephen. Court records show he was charged with third-degree driving while impaired. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Crash Report Near Stephen

According to the complaint, deputies were sent to a report of a car in the ditch on October 31, 2025. The vehicle was found in the westbound ditch along 400th Street Northwest. The engine was still running.

The complaint says the driver had left the vehicle and was seen walking toward the Simplot property. Responders later pointed out a man in the parking lot. Authorities then made contact with Roets.

The complaint says Roets told responders he did not know what happened. He also said he had been driving. He reportedly told authorities he was looking in the ditch for weeds.

What Investigators Reported

According to the complaint, Roets appeared unsteady and confused. He was said to be swaying and leaning for support. The complaint also says he refused medical care after an ambulance arrived.

A preliminary breath test later showed a result of 0.000, the complaint states. Investigators then looked for other signs of impairment. The complaint says Roets had pinpoint pupils, nodded off several times, and struggled to keep his balance.

The complaint also says he told authorities he takes Tramadol and Hydrocodone for injuries. Investigators ended field testing early because they feared he could fall and get hurt.

Blood Test Ordered

Authorities later arrested Roets and obtained a warrant for a blood or urine sample, according to the complaint. Court documents state Roets consented to a blood draw at about 3:27 p.m.

The case was filed in Minnesota Court Records Online under Marshall County District Court file 45-CR-25-417. More county information is available through Marshall County.

A criminal charge is an accusation. The case remains pending until it is resolved in court.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

Want more news from your town?

Choose your hometown and the stories you care about.

Get My Town Alerts →