Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 51-year-old Pelican Rapids woman has been charged in Becker County District Court after allegedly pulling a knife during a road rage incident in Detroit Lakes.
Karlene Theresa Hackley is facing felony threats of violence and misdemeanor fifth-degree assault charges stemming from the July 1 incident.
According to court records, Detroit Lakes police were dispatched to Casey’s Convenience Store on Highway 10 on a report of a threat involving a knife. Officers learned that two motorists had been involved in a dispute and had driven into the store’s parking lot.
Hackley initially denied having a knife, telling officers she had been upset after another driver pulled out in front of her, leading her to follow the vehicle “to find out what her problem was.” She later admitted there was a knife in her vehicle’s center console. Officers recovered a folding knife locked in the open position.
The other driver told police she had been leaving the soccer fields when she turned onto Highway 34. She said Hackley tailgated and honked at her, prompting her to honk back and make a gesture. The driver stated Hackley became more aggressive, following her through several streets before stopping behind her at a red light, getting out of her vehicle with a knife, and yelling, “F— you, I’ll f—ing kill you!” before returning to her car.
Hackley allegedly followed the woman to Casey’s, briefly left the lot, then circled back. She later admitted to police that she displayed the knife out of anger to “warn” the other driver and followed her to “have more words.”
Hackley was arrested and taken to the Becker County Jail. She was released without bail on July 3 under standard conditions. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 11 before District Judge Michelle Lawson.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.