Bemidji Crash Injures Child, Woman Faces 2 Felonies

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 60-year-old Ponemah woman faces two felony charges following a crash that injured her grandchild in Beltrami County.

Debra Beaulieu is accused of criminal vehicular operation after a Dodge Caravan left the roadway and struck a tree.

According to a criminal complaint, the crash occurred September 29, 2026, near Lumberjack Road Northwest and Irvine Avenue Northwest.

Investigators allege Beaulieu operated the vehicle negligently while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Van Leaves Roadway and Strikes Tree

Beltrami County deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash around 12:19 p.m.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a red Dodge Caravan off the roadway.

The van had extensive front-end damage and appeared to have struck a tree.

According to court documents, the vehicle’s airbags had deployed.

Inside the van, deputies found Beaulieu’s grandchild crying and holding an injured arm.

The child was wearing a sling and appeared to be experiencing significant pain.

Emergency medical personnel transported the child to Sanford Medical Center for evaluation.

Driver Tells Deputies She Blacked Out

Investigators identified Beaulieu as the driver.

According to the complaint, she acknowledged having no driver’s license or vehicle insurance.

Beaulieu reportedly told deputies she had blacked out while driving.

She said the episode caused her to cross the centerline, leave the roadway, and strike the tree.

Beaulieu explained that the family was returning from shopping.

She also reported feeling sick and purchasing over-the-counter cold medicine.

According to court documents, Beaulieu described experiencing a similar blackout about one year earlier.

She said doctors had not identified a medical cause.

Deputies Observe Possible Impairment

During questioning, deputies noticed Beaulieu had bloodshot, watery eyes.

Investigators also described her behavior as unusually relaxed considering the serious crash and her grandchild’s injuries.

Another passenger, Darryl Beaulieu, told deputies his mother had lost consciousness while driving.

Officers asked Debra Beaulieu to complete field sobriety tests.

According to the complaint, investigators observed eye movements and balance problems that raised concerns about possible impairment.

During a timing test, Beaulieu estimated 30 seconds had passed in approximately 21 seconds.

Deputies also reported significant eyelid tremors and unusual pupil reactions.

Woman Allegedly Admits Using Fentanyl and Marijuana

Following the roadside investigation, deputies arrested Beaulieu.

After receiving a Miranda warning, she reportedly discussed her recent drug use.

According to the complaint, Beaulieu admitted smoking several puffs of fentanyl approximately two days before the crash.

She also reportedly admitted smoking about one and a half marijuana joints around 7 a.m. that morning.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample.

The sample was collected around 4:31 p.m. on September 29.

The supplied complaint does not include the blood test results.

Grandchild Suffers Arm Injury

Investigators later met with the injured child and Darryl Beaulieu at the hospital.

According to the complaint, the child had bruising near the upper chest and chin.

The child also reported significant left arm pain and difficulty moving the arm.

An investigator described a substantial temporary loss of function involving the child’s left arm.

The complaint does not include a final diagnosis confirming a fracture.

Two Felony Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged Beaulieu with two counts of felony criminal vehicular operation involving substantial bodily harm.

Count I: Negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing substantial bodily harm with an alleged prohibited controlled substance present.

Count II: Negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing substantial bodily harm while allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

These penalties represent statutory maximums, not sentences imposed by the court.

Readers can review Minnesota’s criminal vehicular operation statute.

Beltrami County Court Proceedings

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court number 04-CR-26-2407.

The prosecutor’s file number is 0040093610.

The complaint includes an order of detention but does not establish Beaulieu’s current custody status.

Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges remain allegations. Beaulieu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.