Mahnomen DWI Case: Man Claimed Dog Drove
Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Minneapolis man is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge after a rollover crash in Mahnomen County.
Daniel Boone Wadena, 51, is charged in Mahnomen County District Court with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, with reference to Minnesota Statute 169A.25.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Crash Reported In Mahnomen County
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded on November 28, 2025.
The call involved a one-vehicle rollover near 2127 340th Avenue in Mahnomen County.
Authorities were told the driver had been helped from the vehicle by people passing by.
The complaint says the person then left the crash scene area because they thought they would get in trouble.
When law enforcement arrived, several bystanders were at the scene.
Wadena was found receiving first aid while sitting in a vehicle that had stopped to help.
Complaint Alleges Signs Of Impairment
The complaint says Wadena had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech.
Authorities also reported smelling alcohol on his breath.
Wadena allegedly had trouble keeping his balance while walking.
The complaint says he nearly fell while walking toward a squad vehicle to stay warm.
When asked how much he had to drink, Wadena allegedly said he had nothing.
He also allegedly said he had done something stupid and would likely go to court.
Due to icy road conditions and balance concerns, more field sobriety tests were not completed.
Vehicle Found On Its Roof
The complaint says Wadena’s vehicle was found resting on its roof.
An alcoholic beverage was also reported in the snow near a vehicle window.
A responder told law enforcement that Wadena said only he and his dog were in the vehicle.
The complaint says Wadena also claimed the dog was driving.
Wadena later complained of neck pain and was taken by EMS to Mahnomen Health Center.
At the hospital, authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample.
The complaint says Wadena provided a urine sample.
A report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension later showed an ethyl alcohol concentration of 0.299, plus or minus 0.017 grams.
The complaint also lists two alleged aggravating factors.
They include an alcohol level over .16 and a prior impaired-driving-related license loss.
Wadena also has a pending DWI case tied to a July 1, 2025, incident.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation.
Wadena is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
