Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing several charges after police said he drove erratically on Highway 59 and later refused a breath test.
Harold James Sayers, 46, has been charged with second-degree DWI test refusal and driving after revocation. He was also arrested on a Beltrami County warrant.
Report of Dangerous Driving
According to the criminal complaint, police received a report on April 10 from an off-duty officer. The report said a northbound vehicle could not stay in its lane near Edgewood Drive.
The off-duty officer kept following the vehicle while an on-duty officer headed to the area. During that time, Sayers allegedly crossed into the opposing lane. He also drove in the middle of the divided roadway.
The complaint said the vehicle then struck a curb near the Third Street bridge. It also remained in a turn lane without turning onto Davis Avenue.
Police said Sayers later pulled in front of another driver. That motorist had to yield to avoid a crash.
Stop at Falls Liquor
The complaint said Sayers eventually parked at Falls Liquor. He and a passenger were then walking toward the store door when officers arrived.
When police spoke with Sayers, they said they saw signs of impairment. The complaint said he admitted he had been drinking. Police also said he asked if he was going to jail.
Officers then asked him to perform field sobriety tests. According to the complaint, Sayers said he already knew he was over the limit. He then cried and asked to be taken to jail.
Police said he failed the field sobriety tests.
Breath Test Refusal Allegation
At the Law Enforcement Center, officers tried to explain how to provide a steady breath sample. The complaint said Sayers instead held his breath and did not blow into the straw.
Police said he removed the straw three times and threw it on the floor. Each time, he allegedly told officers to charge him with test refusal.
He was then deemed to have refused the test.
Prior DWI Noted
The complaint also said Sayers has a prior DWI conviction from 2025. The new charge was filed as a second-degree DWI offense.
All charges in the case remain allegations unless proven in court.
Related Resources
- Minnesota Judicial Branch
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.