BECKER COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—Sheila Marie Lorisch of Audubon, Minnesota, is facing felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor DWI charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in hazardous winter conditions, according to court documents.
The incident occurred on February 1 at 6:15 p.m., when a Becker County Deputy patrolling Highway 21 observed a vehicle drifting over the center line in snowy, reduced visibility conditions. As the vehicle approached, the deputy had to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid a collision, with the suspect’s vehicle passing within a foot of hitting the squad car.
The deputy turned around, activated emergency lights, and pursued the vehicle, which was traveling at high speeds, passing other vehicles, and failing to stop. The chase continued for over three miles before the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a ditch.
Upon arrival, the deputy saw Lorisch exiting the driver’s seat and attempting to hide beside the vehicle. She displayed poor balance, slurred speech, and admitted that she was the only occupant of the car.
Lorisch was arrested, and after consenting to testing, she blew a .16 BAC, which is twice the legal limit in Minnesota.
She is now charged with:
- Felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
- Misdemeanor DWI
This case underscores the dangers of impaired driving and law enforcement’s efforts to keep roads safe, especially in hazardous winter conditions.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me