Thief River Falls Minibike Stop Ends in Arrest

THIEF RIVER FALLS (trfnews.i234.me) — A late-night minibike stop led to an arrest on July 8.

The stop happened around 10:49 p.m. near Greenwood Street and Spruce Avenue. Pennington County deputies stopped a minibike that allegedly had no working headlight.

Justin Vazquez Concepcion, 23, of Thief River Falls, was driving the minibike, according to the citation. He was arrested and cited for obstruction of the legal process.

The stop began as a headlight matter, according to the citation. It later led to the obstruction allegation.

Deputies Ask for Identification

Vazquez Concepcion allegedly told a deputy that he had used an electric headlamp. He said the headlamp battery had died before the stop.

The deputy then asked Vazquez Concepcion for his driver’s license. He allegedly said he did not have one with him.

The citation states that he continued refusing to identify himself. That refusal allegedly continued after more law enforcement officers arrived.

Justin Vazquez Concepcion booking photo — *Justin Vazquez Concepcion mugshot.*

Arrest Follows Roadside Encounter

Law enforcement later told Vazquez Concepcion that he was being placed under arrest. The citation alleges that he became uncooperative during that process.

He then allegedly tried to retrieve his driver’s license from a bag. Officers told him that the identification came too late.

The report did not describe any injuries during the encounter. It also did not list any additional charges.

The provided report did not include a court date. No further details were available in the citation.

An arrest or citation does not prove guilt. Vazquez Concepcion is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Official Information

Residents can learn more through the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.50 for information about obstruction law.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.