Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) A Halma man has been charged after police say he fled a late-night traffic stop in Thief River Falls.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident began on November 15 at about 11:24 p.m. Police reported seeing a man with a revoked driver’s license and multiple warrants driving in the 1900 block of Highway 59 South.
The driver was identified as 33-year-old Harlan Roger Garfve of Halma. Police say Garfve then drove into the Walmart parking lot, even though the store was closed at the time.
Garfve then allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at Nelson Drive. After the officer activated emergency lights, Garfve accelerated. The complaint states he crossed the centerline, drove in the oncoming lane, failed to use a turn signal, and ran another stop sign.
Garfve eventually stopped near the intersection of Sherwood Avenue and Stevens Drive. The officer gave Garfve several commands, telling him to shut off the vehicle, place his hands outside the window, and drop the keys.
Police say Garfve only partially complied. At times, he put his hands outside the window before pulling them back inside. Concerned for safety, the officer drew his duty firearm.
Another officer arrived, and Garfve finally dropped the keys onto the pavement. He was arrested without further incident.
Garfve allegedly told officers he did not stop because he had multiple warrants. According to the complaint, he admitted to drinking alcohol the day before, even though he is prohibited from consuming alcohol. He later refused to provide a urine sample to corrections staff.
Garfve is charged with fleeing a peace officer, driving after revocation, and failing to stop at a stop sign.
For more information on Minnesota traffic and criminal laws, visit the Minnesota Statutes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
