Norman County (trfnews.i234.me) An Ada man is facing several criminal charges after a head-on crash in Norman County, according to a criminal complaint filed in court.
Michael William Wickern, 68, of Ada, was charged after the January 3, 2026, crash near Highway 35 and Minnesota Highway 9. The complaint says Wickern was driving a Jeep when he failed to make a curve and crossed into oncoming traffic.
What the Complaint Says
According to the complaint, witness Karla Lyons told authorities she saw the crash and stopped to help. Lyons said she saw a bottle of Black Velvet whiskey in Wickern’s vehicle. She told authorities the bottle looked half empty.
The other driver, Lynell Johnson, said the Jeep was coming at her fast before the crash. Johnson said the Jeep slid into her lane and hit her vehicle head-on. She said she tried to move toward the ditch to avoid the collision.
The complaint says Johnson later reported abdominal pain where her seat belt rested. Her passenger reported no injuries.
Court records say Wickern also complained of pain after the crash. He reportedly told authorities the crash was his fault. The complaint says he admitted to drinking alcohol a few hours before the collision.
Blood Test Result
Investigators later obtained a warrant for a blood draw, according to the complaint. The test result was listed at 0.206 alcohol concentration. That is above the legal limit in Minnesota.
The complaint also says Wickern had an open bottle of whiskey in the front seat of the vehicle.
Charges Filed
Wickern is charged with driving while impaired, criminal vehicular operation causing bodily harm, reckless driving, and an open bottle violation.
The DWI count was filed as a gross misdemeanor. The criminal vehicular operation count was also filed as a gross misdemeanor. Reckless driving and the open bottle count were filed as misdemeanors.
The case was filed in Norman County District Court. Public court records in Minnesota can also be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Case Status
These charges are allegations. Wickern is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
What’s so funny? Not funny at all.. Shame on you two.. Many prayers for everyone.