On June 25, 2025, at approximately 6:35 P.M., while in the City of Duluth, St. Louis County, State of Minnesota, Officer Renier was dispatched to the report of a vehicle fire call. This call originated in the 800 block of E 13th St but was later changed to the 700 block of E 13th St. Information from dispatch stated the vehicle was in the middle of the street smoking from under the hood, no flames, just smoke. Once officers arrived on scene, they observed a vehicle in the 700 block of E 13th St. The driver was identified as MICHAEL LEE TOPHAM, [DOB REDACTED], the Defendant herein.
Officer Renier spoke with a Duluth Fire Department employee. The Duluth Fire Department employee stated they believed the driver was possibly intoxicated, and the male urinated himself. Officer Renier noticed the Defendant had a very large wet area on the front and rear of his pants as if he urinated himself. Officer Pinnel began speaking to the Defendant. The Defendant admitted to drinking beer today and stated he only drank one or two beers. The Defendant was stumbling around and had to use his vehicle to brace himself so he didn’t fall.
The defendant was observed to have breath with an odor of an alcoholic beverage, bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and refused to correctly perform field sobriety tests, including refusing a PBT. The Defendant was placed under arrest for driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Upon being read the Breath Test Advisory and after being advised of the right to speak to an attorney, the Defendant refused to take the offered breath.
