Twin Valley Man Charged In .20 BAC DWI Case
Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Twin Valley man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge in Mahnomen County District Court.
Tristan Michael Stevens, 30, of Twin Valley, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.
The charge was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District under court file number 44-CR-26-263.
According to the criminal complaint, the case stems from a traffic stop on March 22, 2026.
The complaint says a vehicle was seen slowing down while traveling south on U.S. Highway 59.
The vehicle then allegedly made a U-turn at an intersection without using signals.
Traffic Stop On U.S. Highway 59
Court documents state the vehicle then rapidly accelerated northbound.
A law enforcement officer attempted to catch up with the vehicle.
The complaint says the officer was traveling about 80 to 100 miles per hour.
The vehicle’s taillights still appeared to be pulling away, according to the complaint.
Emergency lights and a siren were then activated for a traffic stop.
The vehicle braked, made another U-turn, and stopped, the complaint states.
When the officer approached, Stevens was identified as the driver.
The complaint says the officer reported an odor of alcohol.
Stevens also allegedly had bloodshot and watery eyes.
The complaint also says his speech was slurred.
Tristan Michael Stevens
Complaint Reports .20 Breath Test
Court documents say Stevens admitted to drinking.
The complaint says Stevens was asked to step out of the vehicle.
He allegedly took a sip from a bottle and spilled some on his shirt.
After he exited the vehicle, officers reported signs of impairment.
The complaint says Stevens did not give a yes or no answer about field sobriety tests.
He was later arrested and taken to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the complaint, Stevens submitted to a breath test at 12:35 a.m.
The final reported result was .20 alcohol concentration.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, DWI cases can involve alcohol concentration results.
The complaint also references Minnesota Statute 169A.26, involving third-degree DWI.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.
It also carries a possible $3,000 fine, or both.
Court records may be reviewed through Minnesota Court Records Online.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction.
Stevens is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.