Thief River Falls: Willaert Faces DWI, Assault Charges

THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Adam Joseph Willaert, 45, faces four charges following multiple complaints about his driving on October 5.

Three callers reported dangerous driving involving the same vehicle within approximately 30 minutes.

Witnesses alleged the driver was speeding and nearly struck children riding bicycles.

Willaert was arrested and charged with third-degree DWI, reckless driving, domestic assault, and an open-bottle violation.

Traffic Stop on Highway 59

According to the criminal complaint, a deputy stopped Willaert’s pickup on Highway 59.

After emergency lights were activated, Willaert allegedly threw a Bacardi bottle from the vehicle.

The bottle shattered on the roadway, spilling liquid. Investigators later recovered pieces of the broken bottle.

Willaert denied throwing anything from the pickup. He suggested something might have fallen from the vehicle.

He initially denied driving but later said he was the only person operating the pickup.

Authorities reported that Willaert showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests.

A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12. A later test recorded 0.10.

The third-degree DWI charge includes one aggravating factor and a test result between 0.08 and 0.15.

Daughter Describes Alleged Dangerous Driving

Willaert’s daughter told investigators he had driven her and her sister through Thief River Falls.

She reported that he dropped her sister off at hockey practice during the trip.

The daughter believed Willaert had consumed alcohol before driving.

According to the complaint, Willaert allegedly drove through a red light at LaBree Avenue and Third Street.

She also described speeds of 55 to 60 mph along Third Street East.

Investigators learned that Willaert allegedly passed another truck on the right at high speed.

He then reportedly stopped abruptly before turning into an alley near their home.

After investigators discussed the daughter’s statements with Willaert, he allegedly acknowledged driving with both girls.

Domestic Assault Allegation at Home

The investigation also revealed allegations involving an incident at Willaert’s residence.

His daughter told authorities she locked the door after returning home.

The complaint alleges Willaert forced the locked door open using his shoulder.

He then allegedly yelled at his daughter and pinned her against a bed.

She reported that his elbow pressed against her neck and collarbone area.

The daughter escaped to the basement and locked the door behind her.

Willaert reportedly left the residence afterward.

Investigators photographed skid marks in an alley near the home in the 100 block of Merriam Avenue North.

They also documented a broken deadbolt at the residence.

Four Criminal Charges Filed

The complaint lists third-degree driving while impaired, reckless driving, domestic assault, and an open-bottle offense.

Readers can review Minnesota’s third-degree DWI law for details about aggravating factors.

Additional information about domestic assault is available under Minnesota Statute 609.2242.

The supplied complaint summary does not provide a court date or final case outcome.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

All allegations remain subject to court proceedings. Willaert is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.