THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after allegedly driving home with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Pennington County District Court, Joshua Lee Fain, age 44, has been charged with Second Degree Driving While Impaired — Two or More Aggravating Factors. The offense reportedly occurred on October 23, 2025, in Thief River Falls.
Authorities say Pennington County Dispatch received a report about a man having a seizure at SouthTown Lanes. The caller identified the individual as Fain, noting he had been drinking heavily before leaving the scene. Officers later located Fain’s vehicle at his residence on Greenhill Drive.
When approached by officers, Fain appeared unsteady, with slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes. He admitted to drinking but said he was “fine to drive.” Officers noted that his driver’s license was revoked. After conducting field sobriety tests, Fain showed signs of impairment, including lack of smooth pursuit and multiple indicators of nystagmus.
A preliminary breath test reportedly registered a .241 BAC. Officers say Fain was then arrested and transported to the law enforcement center, where a DMT breath test confirmed the same result. Court documents note Fain has one prior DWI conviction within the past ten years.
If convicted, Fain faces up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both. The charge carries “two or more aggravating factors,” including a high alcohol concentration and a prior DWI.
The case is being prosecuted by the Pennington County Attorney’s Office. Additional court proceedings are pending.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Glad no one was hurt, hope Joshua will get help, he is pretty young, take things day by day.