WAUBUN, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Naytahwaush man faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge following a dangerous driving incident near Waubun.
Authorities allege the driver swerved across highways, forced vehicles off the road, and initially refused to stop for deputies.
Duane Patrick Murray, 31, of Naytahwaush, is charged with third-degree driving while impaired in Mahnomen County District Court.
Reckless Driving Reported Near Waubun
According to the criminal complaint, the incident began around 6 p.m. on October 9, 2026.
A concerned citizen reported a white Chevrolet Tahoe driving recklessly on County Road 6.
The caller said the SUV nearly entered a ditch before heading west toward Waubun.
About 18 minutes later, another caller reported suspicious activity near a football game at Waubun High School.
Children reportedly witnessed the driver throw an object from the SUV.
Investigators later located a broken alcohol container and a wet spot along the roadway.
Deputies Say SUV Forced Drivers Off Highway
A deputy spotted the Tahoe traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 59.
According to court documents, the SUV crossed the centerline and accelerated as the deputy followed.
Additional deputies joined and observed the vehicle swerving, crossing onto the shoulder, and following another vehicle too closely.
Deputies activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop.
However, the Tahoe allegedly continued southbound and forced multiple vehicles off the roadway.
The vehicle eventually turned west onto Highway 113 and stopped near the Waubun school.
Driver Allegedly Admits Being Drunk
Deputies identified the driver as Murray.
According to the complaint, deputies noticed slurred speech, watery eyes, and unusually slow movements.
They also reported finding an open alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle.
When questioned, Murray allegedly admitted drinking a small amount of alcohol.
During field sobriety testing, Murray reportedly told deputies he was drunk and expected to fail.
Investigators documented six impairment indicators during an eye movement test.
Murray declined additional field sobriety tests but agreed to a preliminary breath test.
That test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.184.
Official Breath Test Shows 0.16 Alcohol Concentration
Murray was arrested and transported to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office.
An evidentiary breath test produced a reported alcohol concentration of 0.16.
That reading is twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of 0.08.
Murray was later transported to the Douglas County Jail in Alexandria without incident.
Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed
Murray faces one count of third-degree DWI with an aggravating factor under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.
The aggravating factor involves the reported alcohol concentration of 0.16.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
According to the complaint, Murray has no previous DWI convictions.
The case is filed under Mahnomen County District Court number 44-CR-26-626.
The charge remains an allegation. Murray is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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