EAST GRAND FORKS, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – An early-morning coffee run led to an East Grand Forks woman’s arrest after police discovered her driver’s license had been canceled.
Kari Ann Krolak, 46, of East Grand Forks, faces a gross misdemeanor charge of driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.
The charge stems from an October 4, 2026, traffic stop in Polk County.
According to a criminal complaint, Krolak allegedly admitted driving to get coffee despite not having a valid license.
Police Spot SUV on Highway 220
At approximately 6:30 a.m., an East Grand Forks police officer was patrolling northbound Highway 220.
The officer noticed a tan 2009 Toyota RAV4 traveling in the same direction.
A license plate check identified the registered owner as Krolak.
The computer check also showed that her Minnesota driving privileges were canceled as inimical to public safety.
Police records indicated that the cancellation took effect August 2, 2026.
Vehicle Continues to Driver’s Residence
According to the complaint, the officer followed the Toyota as it turned west onto 14th Street Northwest.
The vehicle then traveled south on Fifth Avenue Northwest toward Krolak’s residence.
Because it was dark, the officer could not initially identify the driver.
The officer activated emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.
However, the Toyota continued from the 1300 block of Fifth Avenue Northwest before parking in a residential driveway.
A woman exited the driver’s seat and was identified as Krolak.
Woman Says She Drove to Get Coffee
The criminal complaint describes a brief conversation between Krolak and the responding officer.
Krolak allegedly acknowledged that she did not have a driver’s license.
She also reportedly explained that she had driven to get coffee.
According to the complaint, Krolak was holding a Circle K coffee cup during the conversation.
The officer arrested her on suspicion of driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.
Police Impound Vehicle License Plate
Following the arrest, Krolak was transported to the East Grand Forks Police Department.
Police issued a notice and order of license plate impoundment.
The officer later returned to Krolak’s residence and removed the Toyota’s front license plate.
However, the rear plate could not be removed because its screws were rusted.
According to the complaint, Krolak was instructed to have the remaining plate removed and delivered to police.
The report also described plans to transport her to the Northwest Regional Correctional Center.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Krolak under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.
The law prohibits driving after certain license cancellations or denials involving public safety.
The charge carries a maximum possible penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case was filed in Polk County District Court under number 60-CR-26-1465.
The complaint was issued with a summons and references a previously filed citation.
Additional information about the law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Public court records may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Krolak is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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