PENNINGTON COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — In the early hours of May 14, 2025, at approximately 1:48 a.m., law enforcement conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Pennington Avenue and Nora Street in Thief River Falls. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Evan Ordean Williamson of Thief River Falls, was arrested and charged with second-degree Driving While Impaired (DWI) and possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint, Williamson’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.17, which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Additionally, he had a prior DWI conviction within the past ten years. Under Minnesota law, these two factors—high BAC and a prior DWI—constitute aggravating factors, elevating the charge to a second-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Williamson was also charged with possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle. Minnesota law prohibits the possession of more than 1.4 grams of cannabis in the area of a vehicle normally occupied by the driver or passengers, unless it is in the trunk or another area not readily accessible. This offense is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Williamson was taken into custody following the traffic stop. Further details regarding court proceedings or potential sentencing have not been released at this time.
Did you know?
In Minnesota, a second-degree DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor and is one step below a felony. Aggravating factors such as a high BAC (0.16 or higher), prior DWI convictions within ten years, or having a child under 16 in the vehicle can elevate a DWI charge to this level.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.