Thief River Falls: Halma Man Sentenced After Chase

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Halma man has been sentenced for felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

Harlan Roger Garfve, 34, appeared for sentencing Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Pennington County District Court.

The court granted Garfve a three-year stay of imposition and ordered three years of supervised probation.

Two additional charges were dismissed as part of the case.

Three Years of Probation Ordered

Garfve received a stay of imposition rather than an immediate prison sentence.

Under the court’s order, he must successfully complete three years of supervised probation.

The sentence will run concurrently with another case involving Garfve.

He must complete a comprehensive assessment within 60 days of sentencing.

Garfve must also complete any recommended treatment and follow-up care.

While on probation, he is prohibited from possessing or using firearms, ammunition, or explosives.

The court also ordered him to provide a DNA sample and pay $210 in fines and fees.

A misdemeanor driving-after-revocation charge and a petty-misdemeanor stop-sign violation were dismissed.

Traffic Stop Turns Into Police Pursuit

According to the criminal complaint, the incident began November 15 at approximately 11:24 p.m.

Police spotted Garfve driving near the 1900 block of Highway 59 South in Thief River Falls.

Authorities reported that Garfve had a revoked driver’s license and several outstanding warrants.

Investigators say Garfve drove through the Walmart parking lot while the business was closed.

He then failed to stop at a stop sign on Nelson Drive.

When an officer activated emergency lights, Garfve accelerated and continued driving.

According to the report, he crossed the centerline and entered the opposing traffic lane.

He also allegedly failed to signal a turn and drove through another stop sign.

The pursuit ended near the intersection of Sherwood Avenue and Stevens Drive.

Thief River Falls: Halma Man Sentenced After Chase

Police Report Describes Tense Arrest

After stopping, Garfve reportedly failed to fully follow commands to shut off his vehicle.

He was also instructed to place his hands outside the window and throw his keys onto the pavement.

The report states Garfve repeatedly moved his hands back inside the vehicle.

Concerned about safety, an officer drew a firearm while continuing to issue commands.

Garfve eventually dropped his keys onto the pavement as another officer arrived.

He was then taken into custody without further incident.

Garfve Cited Outstanding Warrants

According to the complaint, Garfve told police he failed to stop because he had multiple outstanding warrants.

He also admitted consuming alcohol the previous day despite being subject to a no-alcohol release condition.

The report states Garfve later refused to provide a urine sample to corrections staff.

These details were included in the complaint describing the incident and subsequent investigation.

Minnesota Law and Court Records

Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle is a felony.

The offense carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Garfve’s reported sentence instead places him under supervised probation with specific court-ordered conditions.

Readers can search available case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Further court action may occur if Garfve fails to follow the conditions of his probation.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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