Bena Teen Charged With DWI After Traffic Stop

Bena, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bena teenager is facing a gross misdemeanor DWI charge following a July traffic stop in Cass County.

Traffic Stop Leads To DWI Charge

According to a criminal complaint filed in Cass County District Court, Carleigh Dawn Losh, born February 24, 2009, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within two hours.

The charge is listed as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law. The maximum penalty includes up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

The complaint states the incident happened on or about July 6, 2026. Court records show the case was filed in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District in Cass County.

Reckless Driving Reported Near Resort Area

The complaint says authorities were called early on July 5, 2026, after reports of a vehicle driving recklessly through a resort area.

The report stated people inside the vehicle were yelling while the vehicle was being driven.

Authorities later located the vehicle near the intersection of County Road 8 and U.S. Highway 2.

The complaint states the vehicle failed to signal a turn and rolled through a stop sign.

While turning east onto U.S. Highway 2, the vehicle reportedly made a wide turn and entered the wrong direction of a turn lane.

Driver Shows Signs Of Possible Impairment

The complaint states Losh was identified as the driver during the traffic stop.

According to court documents, she appeared to have glassy and watery eyes. Her speech was also described as slurred at times.

The complaint says officers asked her several times to exit the vehicle.

After getting out, Losh reportedly showed signs of being unsteady. The complaint states she leaned against the vehicle while standing.

Authorities also reported smelling an alcoholic beverage coming from her person.

Alcohol Testing Reported

The complaint states Losh provided a preliminary breath test result of .228 blood alcohol concentration.

She later submitted to additional testing, which reportedly showed an alcohol concentration of .18.

The legal limit for most drivers in Minnesota is .08.

The case remains pending in Cass County District Court. A criminal charge is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court cases can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.