Holdingford man charged with vehicle theft

Tyler Jay Paul, 36, Holdingford, was charged in Morrison County District Court with one felony count of motor vehicle theft, one gross misdemeanor count of third-degree DWI and one misdemeanor count of fourth-degree DWI.

The charges stem from a July 8 incident, when at approximately 1:08 a.m., a deputy of the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol on 40th St. in Morrison County. He observed a vehicle with no taillights illuminated. The deputy also noted that the driver side brake light was out on the vehicle. The deputy stopped the suspect vehicle and identified the driver as Paul, according to the report.

Paul was observed having bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech. There was also an odor of alcohol coming from his vehicle. Per the report, Paul admitted that he had been drinking alcohol. The deputy noted that Paul was not the registered owner of the vehicle. The deputy asked Paul if he knew the registered owner. Paul stated he did not. Paul allegedly admitted that he did not have permission to use the vehicle. He stated that he just hopped in a vehicle that was sitting outside and took it.

According to the report, the deputy asked Paul to perform field sobriety tests. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test showed indications of impairment. Paul performed poorly on the one-leg stand test. He allegedly declined to do the walk and turn test. A portable breath test showed an alcohol concentration of .169. Paul was then placed under arrest for driving while impaired.

The deputy applied for a search warrant to take a sample of Paul’s blood or urine. A judge granted the search warrant request. The deputy asked Paul if he would give a blood or urine test. Initially Paul agreed to do so, but he later refused. Paul stated that he was not going to give a sample, according to the report.

Another deputy later tracked down the owner of the stolen vehicle. She stated that she did not allow anyone to take her vehicle. She stated that it was parked in the city of Bowlus and that the keys were inside. The owner stated she did not give Paul permission to take the vehicle. The value of the vehicle is more than $5,000.

If convicted on the felony charge, Paul faces up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine. If convicted on the gross misdemeanor charge, Paul faces up to 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. If convicted on the misdemeanor charge, Paul faces up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.