Parker Austin Sunderland allegedly told police he was the designated driver after dropping off friends.<\/p>\n
However, police reported that his car was traveling without headlights and that he showed possible signs of alcohol impairment.<\/p>\n
According to a Beltrami County criminal complaint, an evidentiary breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of .12.<\/p>\n
Officer Spots Car Driving Without Headlights<\/h2>\n
The incident began around 2:22 a.m. on September 13, 2026.<\/p>\n
A Bemidji police officer was patrolling near Second Street Northwest and Minnesota Avenue Northwest.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the officer noticed a small passenger car traveling without its headlights on.<\/p>\n
The officer flashed the patrol vehicle’s lights to alert the driver.<\/p>\n
However, the car continued eastbound without headlights.<\/p>\n
Police then initiated a traffic stop near Dunkin’ Donuts.<\/p>\n
Driver Claims He Was Taking Friends Home<\/h2>\n
During the stop, police identified the driver as Parker Austin Sunderland of Bagley.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the officer smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The officer also noticed Sunderland had bloodshot and watery eyes.<\/p>\n
When questioned, Sunderland reportedly told police he was the designated driver.<\/p>\n
He said he had just dropped off friends before the traffic stop.<\/p>\n
Despite that explanation, the officer continued investigating possible impaired driving.<\/p>\n
Field Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest<\/h2>\n
The officer asked Sunderland to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Sunderland did not satisfactorily complete the testing.<\/p>\n
Police then requested a preliminary breath test.<\/p>\n
The roadside test showed an alcohol concentration of .11.<\/p>\n
Based on the investigation, Sunderland was taken into custody and transported to jail.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Shows .12 Alcohol Concentration<\/h2>\n
At the jail, Sunderland was read Minnesota’s breath test advisory.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, he requested an opportunity to speak with an attorney.<\/p>\n
However, the complaint states Sunderland called his mother instead.<\/p>\n
He later ended his phone time and agreed to provide a breath sample.<\/p>\n
An evidentiary breath test administered at approximately 3:08 a.m. returned an alcohol concentration of .12.<\/p>\n
That reading was above Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of .08.<\/p>\n
The result became part of the evidence supporting the criminal charge.<\/p>\n
Previous DWI Conviction Listed in Complaint<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors also cited Sunderland’s previous driving record.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Sunderland was convicted of third-degree DWI on May 18, 2023.<\/p>\n
That conviction occurred in Polk County under court file number 60-CR-23-433.<\/p>\n
The complaint also mentions previous driving after revocation and speeding convictions.<\/p>\n
Additionally, court records identify a previous exhibition driving case involving a successful stay of adjudication.<\/p>\n
The prior DWI conviction is relevant because Minnesota law allows certain previous impaired driving incidents to increase DWI penalties.<\/p>\n
Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Sunderland faces one gross misdemeanor charge involving an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher with an aggravating factor.<\/p>\n
The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5), with penalties under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.<\/p>\n
The charge falls under Minnesota’s second-degree DWI law.<\/p>\n
A conviction could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
These are maximum statutory penalties, not a sentence imposed in this case.<\/p>\n
Additional information about the law is available through Minnesota Statute 169A.26<\/a>.<\/p>\n The criminal case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under court file number 04-CR-26-2188.<\/p>\n The prosecutor’s file number is BCI-0011208.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not provide a final court outcome or sentencing information.<\/p>\n Readers can search available case records through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge remains an allegation. Sunderland is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nBeltrami County Court Case Information<\/h2>\n
![\"Bemidji:](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Bemidji-Designated-Driver-Charged-After-.12-DWI-Test-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>