{"id":23971,"date":"2026-03-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=23971"},"modified":"2026-03-29T14:47:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T19:47:49","slug":"bemidji-man-charged-after-liquor-store-crash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/bemidji-man-charged-after-liquor-store-crash\/","title":{"rendered":"Bemidji Man Charged After Liquor Store Crash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bemidji, Minnesota<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) Derek James Hunt<\/strong> of Bemidji is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges after a reported crash at a local liquor store, according to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County.<\/p>\n

Crash Reported at Bemidji Business<\/h2>\n

Authorities say the case began around 12:30 p.m. on November 10, 2025. A caller reported that a vehicle hit the Lakes Liquor building on Irvine Avenue Northwest in Bemidji.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, a wooden support beam for the store awning was broken and knocked to the ground. Surveillance video allegedly showed a tan GMC Yukon driving over a parking barrier and hitting the beam before leaving the area.<\/p>\n

Court records say a woman was also with the driver at the time. Investigators later traced the Yukon to a used car lot on Fairgrounds Road.<\/p>\n

Charges Filed Against Derek James Hunt<\/h2>\n

The complaint says the vehicle had just returned from a test drive. Investigators then went to a home in Beltrami County and found Derek James Hunt there.<\/p>\n

According to the complaint, Hunt said a broken ankle caused him to hit the post at Lakes Liquor. Investigators also reported signs they believed were consistent with impairment.<\/p>\n

A preliminary breath test reportedly showed a 0.0 alcohol concentration. The complaint says investigators later obtained a warrant for a urine sample.<\/p>\n

Hunt was charged with first-degree DWI involving a Schedule I or II substance or metabolite, excluding cannabis or hemp. He was also charged with driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n

Prior Convictions Cited<\/h2>\n

The complaint also cites a prior felony first-degree DWI conviction from 2016. It lists several other past convictions, including drug, theft, fleeing, and driving-related offenses.<\/p>\n

As in all criminal cases, the charges are allegations unless proven in court.<\/p>\n

Related Resources<\/h2>\n