The charges follow a September 14, 2026, traffic stop involving a pickup truck traveling from Minnesota into North Dakota.<\/p>\n
According to a Polk County criminal complaint, Denning’s final breath test recorded an alcohol concentration of 0.22.<\/p>\n
That reading was nearly three times Minnesota’s legal driving limit of 0.08.<\/p>\n
Police Spot Pickup Swerving on Highway 2<\/h2>\n
At approximately 9:28 p.m., East Grand Forks police were patrolling near River Road Northwest.<\/p>\n
Officers noticed a gray Dodge Dakota entering the westbound Highway 2 ramp.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the pickup crossed the fog line while entering the highway.<\/p>\n
Police reported seeing the vehicle cross the line again after merging onto Highway 2.<\/p>\n
The pickup reportedly crossed the fog line a third time while traveling across the Kennedy Bridge.<\/p>\n
Officers activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop.<\/p>\n
The vehicle continued into Grand Forks, North Dakota, before stopping near First Avenue North.<\/p>\n
Driver Shows Signs of Impairment<\/h2>\n
Police identified the driver as Robert Lee Denning.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, officers noticed Denning had slurred speech and difficulty locating his insurance information.<\/p>\n
Denning reportedly acknowledged drinking alcohol earlier in the day.<\/p>\n
He provided differing information about when he had consumed his last drink.<\/p>\n
When Denning exited the pickup, officers reported smelling alcohol and noticing problems with his balance.<\/p>\n
Police then conducted several field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
According to court records, Denning displayed six indicators during an eye movement test.<\/p>\n
He also struggled with the walk-and-turn test and had difficulty standing on one leg.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Records Alcohol Concentration of 0.22<\/h2>\n
Denning agreed to provide a preliminary breath sample.<\/p>\n
The preliminary test showed an alcohol concentration of 0.221, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Officers arrested Denning on suspicion of driving while impaired.<\/p>\n
Because the traffic stop ended in North Dakota, police asked Denning to return voluntarily to Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Denning agreed and was transported to the East Grand Forks Police Department.<\/p>\n
At the department, officers explained the Minnesota breath test advisory.<\/p>\n
Denning declined to contact an attorney and agreed to an official breath test.<\/p>\n
The testing equipment accepted two breath samples and produced a final reported result of 0.22.<\/p>\n
Previous DWI Conviction Listed<\/h2>\n
Investigators reviewed Denning’s driving record following the arrest.<\/p>\n
The complaint identifies a previous driving under the influence conviction from February 25, 2020.<\/p>\n
That conviction occurred in Grand Forks, North Dakota.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors cite the prior conviction and the elevated alcohol concentration as two aggravating factors.<\/p>\n
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.25<\/a>, two qualifying aggravating factors can support a second-degree DWI charge.<\/p>\n Denning faces one second-degree DWI count alleging driving under the influence of alcohol.<\/p>\n A second count alleges driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater.<\/p>\n Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n The complaint also describes alcohol monitoring requirements that may apply during pretrial release.<\/p>\n Officers transported Denning to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.<\/p>\n The case is filed under Polk County Court File No. 60-CR-26-1349.<\/p>\n Readers can search court information through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not establish a final outcome in the case.<\/p>\n Denning is presumed innocent of the new charges unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nTwo Gross Misdemeanor Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
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