Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks woman is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after a traffic stop in Thief River Falls.
Erin Christine Romuld, 41, was charged in Pennington County District Court with third-degree driving while impaired test refusal.
The case was filed under court file number 57-CR-26-282.
The alleged offense happened on April 24, 2026, in Thief River Falls.
Traffic Stop Reported On 1st Street East
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement saw a blue sedan with expired registration.
The vehicle was first seen heading east on 1st Street.
The complaint says the vehicle later left Pennington Square gas station.
A traffic stop was then made near 1st Street East and Conley Avenue.
Romuld was identified as the driver, according to the complaint.
Authorities said they observed signs that raised concern about possible impairment.
Those signs included constricted pupils, according to the court filing.
Field Sobriety Tests Described
The complaint says Romuld was asked to step out of the vehicle.
She then performed several field sobriety tests.
Authorities reported a lack of smooth pursuit during one test.
The complaint also described eyelid tremors during another test.
Romuld also allegedly fidgeted with her fingers during testing.
During a walk-and-turn test, authorities said she missed heel-to-toe steps.
She also allegedly failed to count out loud as instructed.
Search Warrant And Test Refusal
Romuld was arrested and taken to the law enforcement center.
According to the complaint, authorities then obtained a search warrant.
The warrant requested a blood or urine test.
Romuld was informed that refusing the test was a crime.
The complaint says she refused to submit to the test.
She was then charged with third-degree DWI test refusal.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, refusing a chemical test can be charged as a crime.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.26, third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor.
The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
Romuld has been charged but has not been convicted.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.