Bemidji Woman Charged in Breath Test Refusal

BEMIDJI, Minn. — (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake woman faces a gross misdemeanor charge after a late-night police response in Bemidji.

Cara Lynn Donnell, 39, was charged in Beltrami County District Court with refusing a chemical test. The charge was filed under Minnesota’s impaired-driving laws.

Woman Reportedly Found Asleep in Running Car

The case stems from an incident reported around 11:14 p.m. on June 9, 2026. Police were called to an Arco station in Bemidji.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman was asleep behind the wheel of a black sedan. The vehicle was running and parked near the gas pumps.

Officers knocked on the window several times before Donnell woke up, the complaint states. Police reported that she appeared groggy and had glassy eyes.

The complaint also alleges that an alcohol odor came from the vehicle. Donnell reportedly had slurred speech during the conversation.

Donnell told police she had consumed two alcoholic drinks, according to the complaint. She also said she stopped because she believed she drank too much.

Police asked Donnell to leave the vehicle. The complaint says she appeared unsteady and had poor balance.

Donnell then completed field sobriety tests, according to court records. Police reported she did not perform them satisfactorily.

A preliminary breath test allegedly showed an alcohol concentration of 0.095. Donnell was then arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.

Complaint Alleges Breath Test Was Not Completed

At the jail, police read Minnesota’s breath-test advisory. The advisory explains that refusing a required breath test is a crime.

Donnell agreed to provide a breath sample, the complaint states. However, the process was delayed after she vomited several times.

Police reported that Donnell later provided a first sample showing 0.12. The complaint says she did not complete a second valid sample.

Officers repeatedly instructed Donnell to continue blowing into the machine. She reportedly stopped before the machine accepted the sample.

Donnell said she could not continue and felt sick, according to the complaint. Police warned that the test could be counted as a refusal.

The complaint alleges Donnell then told officers to record the test as a refusal.

Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed

Donnell faces up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine if convicted. A charge is only an accusation.

Donnell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Minnesota law addresses chemical-test refusal under Section 169A.20. The case is filed as 04-CR-26-1328.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.