Fergus Falls: West Faces .21 DWI, Child Charge

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Erica Ann West faces four charges following a Sept. 3 traffic stop in Fergus Falls.

West, 34, is charged in Otter Tail County District Court.

The case is filed as 56-CR-26-2191.

Prosecutors filed two second-degree DWI counts and one child-endangerment count.

A misdemeanor registration-related charge was also filed.

Driving Reported Through Construction Zone

The complaint says police noticed West’s red Subaru Outback on Vernon Avenue.

The vehicle’s rear hatch was open, with several items visible inside.

Police later followed the vehicle onto Pebble Lake Road.

The complaint alleges the Subaru was traveling above the posted 35 mph limit.

Investigators also reported repeated movements around construction cones.

The vehicle allegedly crossed center and fog lines several times.

Police eventually stopped West near Pebble Lake Road and Delagoon Park.

No police officer names are included in this report.

Child Found Inside Vehicle

The complaint says a young child was riding in the back seat.

Police reported the child was not properly secured when the vehicle was stopped.

Investigators also reported smelling alcohol from the vehicle.

West allegedly had bloodshot eyes, slow speech, and difficulty handling her driver’s license.

The complaint says West agreed to field sobriety testing.

Police reported several signs they believed showed impairment.

Breath Test Allegedly Showed .21

West initially declined a preliminary breath test, according to the complaint.

She was then arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.

At the detention facility, West requested time to contact an attorney.

The complaint says she later agreed to take an evidentiary breath test.

That test allegedly produced an alcohol concentration of 0.21.

Prosecutors cite the high alcohol result and child passenger as aggravating factors.

Minnesota Statute 169A.25 classifies second-degree DWI as a gross misdemeanor.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

Child and Registration Charges

Count Three alleges child endangerment under Minnesota Statute 609.378.

Prosecutors allege the child was placed in a situation likely to cause substantial harm.

The charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor.

Count Four alleges a vehicle registration or plate violation.

The complaint cites Minnesota Statute 168.10.

Charges Remain Allegations

The complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

West is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jail information is available from Otter Tail County.

Public court records are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.