Thief River Falls Man Faces Vehicle Theft, DWI Charges

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Thief River Falls man faces three charges following an alleged vehicle theft near the city dam.

John Charles Isleman is charged with felony motor vehicle theft, second-degree DWI, and fourth-degree property damage.

The charges stem from an incident reported on July 25, 2026.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim noticed his vehicle was missing while he worked near the dam.

Vehicle Found About a Block Away

the victim checked nearby cameras and later located his vehicle about a block from where he had parked it.

The complaint says Isleman was using the victim’s vehicle to try to jump-start another vehicle.

Law enforcement later found Isleman sitting in the driver’s seat of his own vehicle nearby.

Investigators reported that Isleman’s speech was difficult to understand during the encounter.

They also reported that his pupils appeared constricted.

Isleman denied taking the victim’s vehicle, according to the complaint.

The victim later inspected his vehicle and reported damage to a door lock.

John Charles Isleman mugshot — John Charles Isleman

Prosecutors allege Isleman took the vehicle without the victim’s permission.

Impairment Investigation Begins

Officers conducted field sobriety testing because of Isleman’s behavior and physical signs, court records state.

The complaint says Isleman struggled with some instructions during the testing.

Investigators also reported rigid movements and eyelid tremors during portions of the evaluation.

Isleman was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.

He was then taken to the local law enforcement center.

The complaint says officers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample.

Isleman agreed to the blood draw after being advised about Minnesota’s testing law.

The sample was sealed for testing by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The complaint does not provide a final laboratory result.

Three Charges Filed

The felony vehicle theft charge carries up to five years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

The second-degree DWI charge is a gross misdemeanor.

Prosecutors cite two prior DWI convictions as aggravating factors for that charge.

The charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

The property damage count carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.

Readers can review Minnesota’s theft law online.

Minnesota’s second-degree DWI statute is also available through the state Revisor.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Pennington County court file number 57-CR-26-541.

The charges and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Isleman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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