Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after a traffic stop in Pennington County.
Michael Scott McPherson has been charged in Pennington County District Court with violating a restricted driver’s license tied to ignition interlock requirements.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 57-CR-26-272.
Traffic Stop On Highway 1
According to the criminal complaint, the stop happened on March 23, 2026.
A Minnesota State Patrol trooper reported seeing a Chevy Impala traveling eastbound on Highway 1 near 150th Avenue Northeast.
The complaint says the vehicle had a headlight out.
The trooper stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Michael Scott McPherson.
Authorities said McPherson’s Minnesota driver’s license was valid.
However, the complaint states his license had an ignition interlock restriction.
Michael Scott McPherson
Ignition Interlock Allegation
The complaint says the trooper did not see an ignition interlock device in the vehicle.
When asked about the device, McPherson allegedly said it was “not in this car.”
He was arrested shortly after the traffic stop.
McPherson was taken to the Pennington County Jail.
The complaint states he was later booked and released.
Under Minnesota Statute 171.09, a driver with certain restrictions may not operate a vehicle that lacks a certified ignition interlock device.
The charge listed in the complaint is a gross misdemeanor.
The maximum penalty is 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The Pennington County District Court handles criminal and traffic cases filed in the county.
The charge is an accusation.
McPherson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.