Summer Joy Stevens, 40, of Bagley, faces a felony and gross-misdemeanor charges after a Nov. 9 traffic stop in which a Clearwater County deputy said she threatened him and threw a lit cigarette that hit his chest. The charges are threats of violence, two counts of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, and third-degree DWI.
The allegations are described in the criminal complaint, according to MN Crime. The deputy said he was on patrol around 10:48 p.m. Nov. 9 when he noticed a vehicle with a headlight out and turned around to stop it. After he activated his lights and siren, the driver alternately slowed and sped up before pulling into a driveway, the complaint says.
According to the complaint, Stevens got out of the vehicle despite orders to remain inside and approached the deputy, yelling and cursing. He reported smelling alcohol and observing watery eyes and slurred speech. The complaint says Stevens threatened to hurt him if he did not let her go.
Allegations During the Stop
The complaint says Stevens threw a lit cigarette that struck the deputy on the left side of his chest. She also allegedly threatened to beat him up; after he put her back in handcuffs, she tried to kick him while yelling, according to the complaint.
The complaint says Stevens told the deputy that she and a passenger had been drinking, and that she had smoked two blunts and consumed alcohol. A judge signed a warrant for a blood or urine sample, and Stevens agreed to provide blood at an emergency department. The sample was sent to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing; the complaint account does not give the results.
Charges and Potential Penalties
In Clearwater County District Court, Stevens is charged with threats of violence, two counts of fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, and third-degree DWI, according to the complaint account. Threats of violence is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The assault and DWI counts are gross misdemeanors, each carrying a maximum of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both. The DWI count cites a prior impaired-driving license revocation within the previous 10 years.
How the Charges Differ
The charges carry different classifications and maximum penalties: threats of violence is a felony, while the two assault counts and the DWI count are gross misdemeanors. For the fourth-degree assault provision, the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes defines a peace officer as a licensed officer effecting a lawful arrest or performing another duty imposed by law.
MN Crime reports that the criminal complaint was filed Nov. 10. No case outcome or test results are reported in the account.
