A white Chevrolet Suburban suspected in narcotics trafficking was stopped on State Highway 64 south of Akeley after officers learned it might contain a firearm, according to the complaint.
Derek Daniel Kingbird Jr. faces three charges filed October 19 in Hubbard County District Court: felon in possession of a firearm, fifth-degree drug possession and second-degree DWI for refusing a chemical test.
According to the complaint, on October 18, 2026, at around 4:06 p.m., a sergeant received information from a narcotics task force agent about a northbound Suburban possibly involved in drug activity and believed to have a firearm inside. The sergeant spotted the vehicle traveling 62 miles per hour in a 60 mile per hour zone and conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 64 south of Akeley.
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The complaint states Kingbird admitted to driving 62 miles per hour. While speaking with Kingbird, the sergeant noticed he had sweaty and clammy skin. Kingbird and the other occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, and Kingbird was given field sobriety tests.
During the tests, the sergeant observed that Kingbird raised his arms, started before being instructed, stopped during the walk and turn, used his arms for balance and put his foot down during the one leg stand. The sergeant did not see nystagmus during the eye test. The sergeant also saw eyelid tremors during the Modified Romberg test, and Kingbird estimated 30 seconds as 42 seconds. Based on these observations, Kingbird was arrested for suspicion of driving while impaired.
A search of the Suburban turned up a black Glock handgun and a black pouch containing a clear micro baggie with bindles of a white, powdery substance. The powder and packaging weighed .9 grams, according to the complaint.
The sergeant transported Kingbird to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids and obtained a search warrant for a sample of Kingbird’s blood or urine. The complaint says Kingbird was informed of the warrant but refused to provide a sample and denied using controlled substances.
The felon-in-possession count carries up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, according to the complaint.
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