The charge follows an early morning incident on September 29, 2026, in Clearwater County.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint, police found Gagnon inside a running Chevrolet Avalanche that was stuck in a ditch.<\/p>\n
A later breath test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.19, more than twice Minnesota’s legal driving limit.<\/p>\n
Police Find SUV Stuck in Clearwater County Ditch<\/h2>\n
At approximately 2:20 a.m., White Earth Police encountered a Chevrolet Avalanche on Lower Rice Lake Road.<\/p>\n
The SUV was stuck in a ditch near the intersection of 131st Avenue.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the vehicle’s engine was running and its headlights were on.<\/p>\n
Police observed two men inside the SUV.<\/p>\n
When the passenger noticed the approaching patrol vehicle, he reportedly ran into nearby woods.<\/p>\n
Officers approached the driver, identified as Christopher Charles Gagnon.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported that Gagnon had severely slurred speech and difficulty maintaining his balance.<\/p>\n
They also reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Gagnon nearly fell several times while standing outside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Driver Arrested Following Roadside Investigation<\/h2>\n
Police detained Gagnon while investigating the circumstances surrounding the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that he initially resisted some instructions but later complied.<\/p>\n
Officers attempted to conduct a roadside sobriety test.<\/p>\n
However, Gagnon reportedly refused to sit down and pulled away during the attempted examination.<\/p>\n
Police subsequently informed Gagnon that he was under arrest.<\/p>\n
Officers later located and detained the passenger who had fled into the woods.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.19 Alcohol Level<\/h2>\n
Following the arrest, police transported Gagnon to the Clearwater County Jail.<\/p>\n
Investigators conducted a breath alcohol test using a DataMaster testing device.<\/p>\n
The observation period began at approximately 3:28 a.m.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the first breath test produced an insufficient result.<\/p>\n
A second test reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.19.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that this reading was obtained within two hours of the alleged driving incident.<\/p>\n
Earlier DWI Citation Listed as Aggravating Factor<\/h2>\n
Investigators also reviewed Gagnon’s driving history.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that his driver’s license had been revoked following a September 20, 2026, DWI citation.<\/p>\n
That incident occurred nine days before the latest alleged offense.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors cite the prior license revocation and reported 0.19 alcohol reading as two aggravating factors.<\/p>\n
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.25<\/a>, two qualifying aggravating factors can elevate a DWI offense to second-degree DWI.<\/p>\n The definition of aggravating factors appears in Minnesota Statute 169A.03<\/a>.<\/p>\n The earlier citation does not, by itself, establish a previous criminal conviction.<\/p>\n Second-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.<\/p>\n A conviction can carry up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n Those penalties are maximum possibilities, not a sentence imposed on Gagnon.<\/p>\n The complaint lists Clearwater County District Court case number 15-CR-26-349<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The case falls within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n Readers can search for public case updates through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not establish a final outcome or conviction.<\/p>\n Gagnon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nPossible Penalties and Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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