According to a Polk County criminal complaint, Garza allegedly refused a court-ordered blood or urine test.<\/p>\n
Police also reported finding suspected marijuana and smoking items inside his vehicle.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors charged Garza with second-degree DWI test refusal and driving after revocation.<\/p>\n
Police Spot Driver With Revoked License<\/h2>\n
The investigation began when a Crookston police officer observed a blue Kia Spectra traveling south on Barrette Street.<\/p>\n
The vehicle then turned west onto Central Avenue North.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the officer recognized the driver as Michael Garza.<\/p>\n
The officer knew from previous contacts that Garza had a revoked Minnesota driver’s license.<\/p>\n
A records check confirmed his driving privileges remained revoked.<\/p>\n
Police stopped the vehicle on Summit Avenue near Victoria Street.<\/p>\n
Officer Reports Marijuana Odor<\/h2>\n
During the stop, the officer reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The officer also noticed Garza had watery eyes and that the vehicle’s windshield was cracked.<\/p>\n
When questioned about marijuana use, Garza reportedly said he had smoked earlier.<\/p>\n
Police ordered Garza to exit the vehicle.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Garza began using his phone despite being told he could make a call later.<\/p>\n
Officers arrested him for driving after revocation.<\/p>\n
During questioning, Garza reportedly acknowledged being high and said he had smoked before the traffic stop.<\/p>\n
Garza declined to complete field sobriety testing.<\/p>\n
Suspected Marijuana Found in Vehicle<\/h2>\n
Police searched the Kia following Garza’s arrest.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, officers found suspected marijuana inside a backpack near the driver’s floorboard.<\/p>\n
They also reported finding two marijuana grinders in the backpack.<\/p>\n
A pipe containing suspected burned marijuana residue was located in the driver’s door.<\/p>\n
Officers also discovered what appeared to be a previously smoked marijuana joint inside the dashboard ashtray.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint does not list a separate marijuana possession charge.<\/p>\n
Garza Allegedly Refuses Court-Ordered Test<\/h2>\n
Garza was transported to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.<\/p>\n
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample at approximately 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Police returned to the facility around 6:48 p.m. to execute the warrant.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Garza questioned whether his attorney was present.<\/p>\n
The officer explained that Garza could choose between providing blood or urine.<\/p>\n
Garza reportedly refused and again asked about his attorney.<\/p>\n
The officer warned that refusing the court-ordered test was a crime.<\/p>\n
Garza allegedly maintained his refusal despite that warning.<\/p>\n
Previous DWI Convictions Listed<\/h2>\n
Investigators reviewed Garza’s driving history and identified three previous DWI convictions.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, two qualifying convictions occurred within the previous ten years.<\/p>\n
Those convictions are cited as aggravating factors supporting the second-degree DWI charge.<\/p>\n
Two Criminal Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Garza faces a gross misdemeanor second-degree DWI test refusal charge under Minnesota Statute 169A.25<\/a>.<\/p>\n He also faces misdemeanor driving after revocation under Minnesota Statute 171.24<\/a>.<\/p>\n The DWI charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n The driving after revocation charge carries up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n The amended complaint was filed September 21, 2026, under Polk County Court File No. 60-CR-26-1382.<\/p>\n Readers can search additional information through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The new charges remain allegations. Garza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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