Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) – A Shevlin woman is facing gross misdemeanor charges in Beltrami County after police say she drove while under the influence of methamphetamine.
According to a criminal complaint, Melinda Sue Ingalls, 39, was arrested on August 8, 2025, after officers observed suspicious activity near Hotel Bemidji. Police say Ingalls was driving a black Buick Sedan when one of her passengers ran from the vehicle as officers approached.
When officers made contact with Ingalls, they noted she showed physical signs of drug use, including constricted pupils, glassy eyes, eyelid tremors, and rapid speech. Ingalls admitted to using THC but denied other substances.
Field sobriety tests were conducted, which Ingalls was unable to complete successfully. She was taken into custody. A passenger later told police that she and Ingalls had smoked methamphetamine the previous night. A search of the vehicle uncovered paraphernalia consistent with drug use.
Ingalls was transported to Sanford Emergency Room in Bemidji, where officers obtained a warrant for a blood test. The sample was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for analysis.
Court records show Ingalls has prior convictions and pending cases, including:
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Felony, first-degree criminal damage to property (pending)
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Gross misdemeanor fifth-degree controlled substance (2019)
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Gross misdemeanor third-degree DWI (2018)
Ingalls is now charged with gross misdemeanor DWI – operating a motor vehicle with Schedule I or II drugs present in the body. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
The case remains under review in Beltrami County District Court.
For more information on Minnesota DWI laws, visit the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
