According to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint, deputies discovered that Hawpetoss had canceled driving privileges.<\/p>\n
The incident happened August 19, 2026, shortly after midnight near U.S. Highway 59.<\/p>\n
Authorities also discovered an outstanding Clay County warrant during the investigation.<\/p>\n
Deputy Observes Vehicle Leaving Hotel Parking Lot<\/h2>\n
The traffic stop began around 12:01 a.m. while a deputy monitored vehicles in Mahnomen.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the deputy observed a vehicle leaving the Stardust Hotel parking lot.<\/p>\n
The vehicle approached a stop sign before turning onto U.S. Highway 59.<\/p>\n
The deputy reported that the driver failed to stop at the sign.<\/p>\n
After observing the alleged traffic violation, the deputy activated emergency lights and stopped the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The driver was identified as Justin Cody Hawpetoss.<\/p>\n
License Check Reveals Canceled Driving Privileges<\/h2>\n
During the stop, the deputy requested information about Hawpetoss and his driving status.<\/p>\n
Dispatch reported that his driving privileges were canceled under a designation known as “inimical to public safety.”<\/p>\n
This designation means the state has determined a person does not qualify for driving privileges under specified public safety rules.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges Hawpetoss operated the vehicle despite having reason to know about the cancellation.<\/p>\n
The document does not identify when his license was canceled.<\/p>\n
It also does not explain the circumstances that originally led to the cancellation.<\/p>\n
Clay County Warrant Discovered<\/h2>\n
The records check also revealed an outstanding warrant from Clay County.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, deputies arrested Hawpetoss following the traffic stop.<\/p>\n
He was transported to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office for processing.<\/p>\n
Hawpetoss was booked and released on the gross misdemeanor driving charge.<\/p>\n
Authorities then transferred him to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center because of the Clay County warrant.<\/p>\n
The complaint does not identify the charge or case connected to that warrant.<\/p>\n
It also does not establish Hawpetoss’ current custody status.<\/p>\n
What Does Driving After Cancellation Mean?<\/h2>\n
Minnesota law prohibits driving when a person’s license has been canceled or denied under certain public safety provisions.<\/p>\n
The relevant law is Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5<\/a>.<\/p>\n The offense applies when a driver knew or reasonably should have known about the cancellation.<\/p>\n Violations under this subdivision are classified as gross misdemeanors.<\/p>\n The charge is more serious than an ordinary misdemeanor driving after cancellation offense.<\/p>\n Hawpetoss faces one count of driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n Any sentence would depend on a conviction and the court’s final decision.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not list an additional charge for the alleged stop-sign violation.<\/p>\n The case is filed under Mahnomen County Court File No. 44-CR-26-523.<\/p>\n The complaint includes a summons and identifies Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n No scheduled court appearance is provided in the supplied document.<\/p>\n Additional information may become available through court hearings or later filings.<\/p>\n Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge remains an allegation and does not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Hawpetoss is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nGross Misdemeanor Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Mahnomen County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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