The case involved felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and gross misdemeanor driving while impaired.<\/p>\n
Wrong-Way Driving Reported<\/h2>\n
Court records say the incident began during the evening of Dec. 5, 2025.<\/p>\n
A Becker County deputy saw a vehicle traveling east in Highway 10’s westbound lane near Audubon.<\/p>\n
The deputy drove beside the vehicle and tried to get Opdahl’s attention.<\/p>\n
Opdahl did not respond and continued in the wrong direction at about 60 mph.<\/p>\n
The deputy activated emergency lights while remaining beside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Opdahl still did not stop or reduce his speed.<\/p>\n
The deputy then moved ahead and entered a highway crossover with the emergency lights activated.<\/p>\n
Opdahl passed the squad vehicle and accelerated, according to court records.<\/p>\n
The deputy caught up and again tried to stop the vehicle.<\/p>\n
At one point, the deputy approached from the front to force a stop.<\/p>\n
Opdahl did not slow down. The deputy turned toward a ditch to avoid a crash.<\/p>\n
Other officers placed squad vehicles and stop sticks near Detroit Lakes.<\/p>\n Opdahl eventually slowed and stopped before reaching the roadblock.<\/p>\n He did not immediately leave the vehicle after receiving repeated commands.<\/p>\n He later complied and stepped outside.<\/p>\n A deputy reported smelling alcohol as Opdahl left the vehicle.<\/p>\n Court records noted slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and other signs of impairment.<\/p>\n Opdahl provided a preliminary breath sample showing a .18 alcohol concentration.<\/p>\n He was taken to jail and refused a later breath test.<\/p>\n Court records show Opdahl had a 2023 conviction for DWI test refusal.<\/p>\n On May 20, District Judge Michelle Lawson imposed a 17-month prison sentence.<\/p>\n The prison term was stayed for three years.<\/p>\n Opdahl was ordered to serve 84 days in jail.<\/p>\n He received credit for all 84 days already served.<\/p>\n He also received $1,000 in fines and $190 in court fees.<\/p>\n Opdahl will remain on supervised probation for three years.<\/p>\n He cannot use alcohol or illegal drugs during probation.<\/p>\n He must complete cognitive skills training and any ordered behavioral programs.<\/p>\n He must also attend a victim impact panel.<\/p>\n A comprehensive assessment is required, along with recommended treatment and aftercare.<\/p>\n General court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n DWI safety resources are available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Mugshot](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Zachary-Ryan-Opdahl.png\")
Zachary Ryan Opdahl<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nRoadblock Ends Pursuit<\/h2>\n
Sentence and Probation Terms<\/h2>\n