According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, officers found Kingbird unresponsive behind the steering wheel of a vehicle.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred September 27, 2026, near Third Street Northwest.<\/p>\n
Police reported a preliminary breath test reading of 0.16.<\/p>\n
Investigators allege Kingbird later refused an evidentiary breath test at the Beltrami County Jail.<\/p>\n
The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2378.<\/p>\n
Police Find Woman Slumped Over Steering Wheel<\/h2>\n
According to the complaint, officers responded around 12:25 a.m. to a report of an unresponsive driver.<\/p>\n
The vehicle was parked near 114 Third Street NW in Bemidji.<\/p>\n
A caller reported seeing a woman slumped over the steering wheel.<\/p>\n
When officers arrived, they found Kingbird alone in the driver’s seat.<\/p>\n
Police knocked on the window but reportedly received no response.<\/p>\n
Officers then opened the unlocked doors and removed the keys from the ignition.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Kingbird eventually opened her eyes and responded to officers.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported bloodshot, watery eyes, unclear speech, and a faint odor of alcohol inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Preliminary Breath Test Reportedly Shows 0.16<\/h2>\n
Officers asked Kingbird to exit the vehicle, but she reportedly refused several times.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, an officer eventually assisted her outside.<\/p>\n
Police alleged Kingbird had difficulty standing and needed help maintaining her balance.<\/p>\n
Officers then obtained a preliminary breath test sample.<\/p>\n
The complaint reports a preliminary alcohol concentration reading of 0.16.<\/p>\n
This was a roadside screening result, not a completed evidentiary breath test.<\/p>\n
Kingbird was arrested and transported to the Beltrami County Jail.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Refusal Alleged at Jail<\/h2>\n
At the jail, authorities read Kingbird the required breath test advisory.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, she indicated three times that she understood the advisory.<\/p>\n
Investigators allege she refused to provide the requested breath sample.<\/p>\n
When questioned, Kingbird reportedly said she did not want to take the test.<\/p>\n
She also disputed having driven the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The criminal complaint lists one gross misdemeanor charge of refusing a chemical breath test.<\/p>\n
Minnesota DWI Refusal Law<\/h2>\n
The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 2(1)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The law makes refusing a qualifying breath test a criminal offense.<\/p>\n Third-degree DWI is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169A.26<\/a>.<\/p>\n A gross misdemeanor conviction can carry up to 364 days in jail.<\/p>\n The maximum fine is $3,000.<\/p>\n These penalties are possible legal consequences, not a sentence imposed against Kingbird.<\/p>\n The complaint lists prosecutor file number BCI-0011264 and investigative control number 26018314.<\/p>\n The court document also includes an order of detention.<\/p>\n No scheduled hearing date, plea, or final ruling was included in the supplied complaint.<\/p>\n Kingbird is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n Readers can search Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a> for publicly available updates.<\/p>\n Additional court records would be needed to confirm the current status or final outcome.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\nBeltrami County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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