Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) A Thief River Falls man is facing a new charge after a traffic stop on March 29.
According to a criminal complaint, the stop happened at about 3:20 p.m. The complaint did not list the exact location. Police stopped the vehicle because the driver’s license had expired.
Charge Filed After Traffic Stop
Steven Michael Johnson, 56, of Thief River Falls, was later charged with an ignition interlock violation. He was arrested following the stop.
Court records say Johnson had an ignition interlock restriction on his driver’s license. That restriction usually requires a driver to use a court-ordered device before starting a vehicle.
Authorities allege Johnson was not following that restriction at the time of the stop. The complaint says that led to the new charge.
Readers can learn more about ignition interlock rules through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services ignition interlock program.
Prior DWI Convictions Listed
The complaint also listed several past DWI convictions tied to Johnson. Those convictions include a gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI in July 2022.
The record also listed gross misdemeanor DWI offenses in January 2017 and May 2006. A misdemeanor DWI offense from June 2005 was also noted.
Those prior cases help explain why the ignition interlock restriction was in place, according to the complaint.
Minnesota court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. State law and charge details may also be reviewed through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Case Status
The charge remains an allegation unless it is proven in court. No conviction has been reported in this new case.
Johnson is expected to answer the charge in court at a later date. Further hearings may be scheduled as the case moves forward.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.