Mahnomen Woman Charged in Alleged Vehicle Assault
Mahnomen (trfnews.i234.me) — Virginia Lynn Smith faces a felony second-degree assault charge in Mahnomen County.
The charge follows a June 26, 2026, incident involving a motor vehicle. Prosecutors allege Smith used the vehicle as a dangerous weapon.
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court. The court file number is 44-CR-26-376.
Fight Reported on College Road
Law enforcement was called to College Road around 6:23 p.m. Officers were initially responding to a reported fight.
While responding, officers learned that Tessa Marie Smith had reportedly been struck by a vehicle.
Police later found Tessa at another nearby address. The complaint says she had apparent injuries to her knees.
An officer reviewed cellphone video showing part of the incident. The video allegedly showed Tessa standing in the roadway.
She was reportedly yelling toward Virginia Smith’s residence. Dean Ray Hanks Jr. then ran toward Tessa, according to the complaint.
Tessa and Hanks are siblings. The complaint says they began pushing each other during the confrontation.
A vehicle then approached the pair at a low speed. The vehicle allegedly struck Tessa, causing her to fall.
Prosecutors identify Virginia Smith as the driver.
Complaint Describes Earlier Disputes
Investigators also spoke with Acacia Kier about events before the reported collision.
Kier said she saw Tessa at Starmart. Kier believed Tessa approached her while attempting to start a fight.
Kier said she left Starmart and went to Dollar General. She then contacted dispatch about the situation.
The complaint says Tessa later approached Kier again near railroad tracks. Kier then went to an address on Zhaawanong.
A vehicle carrying Tessa was later seen traveling on College Road. It reportedly stopped behind a nearby residence.
Felony Assault Charge Filed
Virginia Smith is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.222.
The statute covers second-degree assault involving a dangerous weapon. The complaint identifies the motor vehicle as the alleged weapon.
The complaint lists a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, a $14,000 fine, or both.
The case also references Minnesota Statute 609.11.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court. Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
