Three callers reported dangerous driving involving the same vehicle within approximately 30 minutes.<\/p>\n
Witnesses alleged the driver was speeding and nearly struck children riding bicycles.<\/p>\n
Willaert was arrested and charged with third-degree DWI, reckless driving, domestic assault, and an open-bottle violation.<\/p>\n
Traffic Stop on Highway 59<\/h2>\n
According to the criminal complaint, a deputy stopped Willaert’s pickup on Highway 59.<\/p>\n
After emergency lights were activated, Willaert allegedly threw a Bacardi bottle from the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The bottle shattered on the roadway, spilling liquid. Investigators later recovered pieces of the broken bottle.<\/p>\n
Willaert denied throwing anything from the pickup. He suggested something might have fallen from the vehicle.<\/p>\n
He initially denied driving but later said he was the only person operating the pickup.<\/p>\n
Authorities reported that Willaert showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12. A later test recorded 0.10.<\/p>\n
The third-degree DWI charge includes one aggravating factor and a test result between 0.08 and 0.15.<\/p>\n
Daughter Describes Alleged Dangerous Driving<\/h2>\n
Willaert’s daughter told investigators he had driven her and her sister through Thief River Falls.<\/p>\n
She reported that he dropped her sister off at hockey practice during the trip.<\/p>\n
The daughter believed Willaert had consumed alcohol before driving.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Willaert allegedly drove through a red light at LaBree Avenue and Third Street.<\/p>\n
She also described speeds of 55 to 60 mph along Third Street East.<\/p>\n
Investigators learned that Willaert allegedly passed another truck on the right at high speed.<\/p>\n
He then reportedly stopped abruptly before turning into an alley near their home.<\/p>\n
After investigators discussed the daughter’s statements with Willaert, he allegedly acknowledged driving with both girls.<\/p>\n
Domestic Assault Allegation at Home<\/h2>\n
The investigation also revealed allegations involving an incident at Willaert’s residence.<\/p>\n
His daughter told authorities she locked the door after returning home.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges Willaert forced the locked door open using his shoulder.<\/p>\n
He then allegedly yelled at his daughter and pinned her against a bed.<\/p>\n
She reported that his elbow pressed against her neck and collarbone area.<\/p>\n
The daughter escaped to the basement and locked the door behind her.<\/p>\n
Willaert reportedly left the residence afterward.<\/p>\n
Investigators photographed skid marks in an alley near the home in the 100 block of Merriam Avenue North.<\/p>\n
They also documented a broken deadbolt at the residence.<\/p>\n
Four Criminal Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
The complaint lists third-degree driving while impaired, reckless driving, domestic assault, and an open-bottle offense.<\/p>\n
Readers can review Minnesota’s third-degree DWI law<\/a> for details about aggravating factors.<\/p>\n Additional information about domestic assault is available under Minnesota Statute 609.2242<\/a>.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint summary does not provide a court date or final case outcome.<\/p>\n Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n All allegations remain subject to court proceedings. Willaert is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Thief](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Adam-Joseph-Willaert-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>