Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Ponemah woman is facing gross misdemeanor charges after an alleged impaired driving stop in Beltrami County.
Sabrina Marie Nelson, 28, of Ponemah, is charged in Beltrami County District Court with DWI and driving without a required ignition interlock device.
The charges stem from an April 30, 2026, traffic stop near County Road 50 and Paul Bunyan Drive SE.
Wrong-Way Driving Alleged
According to the court complaint, a Beltrami County deputy saw a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lane.
The complaint says the vehicle was heading toward the deputy’s lane of travel.
The deputy activated emergency lights as the vehicle got closer.
The vehicle then moved back into the correct lane, according to the complaint.
The deputy followed the vehicle for about one block.
The vehicle stopped after the deputy activated a siren.
Sabrina Marie Nelson
Alcohol Odor And Statements Reported
Court documents say the deputy noticed a strong odor of alcohol from the vehicle.
Nelson allegedly said she had left a bar with her husband.
She also allegedly said she was supposed to drive a vehicle with ignition interlock.
The complaint states Nelson first reported drinking four drinks.
She later allegedly said she had about seven drinks.
The complaint says those drinks included beer, mixed drinks, and shots.
Authorities allege Nelson had bloodshot and watery eyes.
They also reported slow responses and slurred speech.
Breath Test Result Listed In Complaint
Nelson’s preliminary breath test allegedly showed a .275 blood alcohol concentration.
She was then arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.
The complaint says Nelson later provided a DataMaster breath test.
That test allegedly showed a .26 result at 1:08 a.m.
The test was taken within two hours of driving, according to prosecutors.
More information about Minnesota DWI law is available through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Ignition Interlock Restriction Alleged
Court records say Nelson’s license was valid.
However, prosecutors allege it carried an ignition interlock restriction.
The complaint says the vehicle she drove did not have a working ignition interlock device.
Nelson is charged with violating Minnesota’s ignition interlock restriction law.
More court information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The complaint also lists prior convictions, including a 2018 gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation conviction.
It also lists a 2022 petty misdemeanor open bottle and uninsured vehicle conviction.
Nelson has not been convicted in this current case.
A criminal complaint is not proof of guilt.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.