Mahnomen Woman Charged With DWI After .17 Breath Test

MAHNOMEN, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 51-year-old New Prague woman faces a gross misdemeanor DWI charge following a family dispute in Mahnomen.

Stephanie Faye Lopez is accused of driving while impaired during an incident on July 3, 2026.

According to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint, police received a report that Lopez had been drinking before driving away.

An evidentiary breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of .17.

That reading was more than twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of .08.

Police Respond to Family Dispute

The investigation began around 12:08 a.m. when White Earth Police received a report of a family disturbance.

According to court documents, a caller reported that her mother and sister had been fighting.

The caller also reported that her mother had left in a vehicle while intoxicated.

An officer located a vehicle matching the description provided to dispatch.

Police observed the vehicle signal for a left turn but continue straight instead.

The vehicle eventually pulled into a driveway, where the officer stopped behind it.

Driver Reportedly Walks Away From Officer

According to the complaint, a woman exited the vehicle and appeared unsteady on her feet.

The officer noticed she had difficulty maintaining her balance.

When police attempted to speak with her, the woman began walking toward the residence.

The officer repeatedly instructed her to stop, but she reportedly continued walking.

The officer then stopped her and explained that police were investigating a possible impaired driver.

People at the residence referred to the woman as Stephanie.

She was later identified as Stephanie Faye Lopez.

During the encounter, police reported smelling alcohol coming from Lopez.

Field Sobriety Tests Show Signs of Impairment

The officer asked Lopez to participate in field sobriety tests.

According to the complaint, she initially refused but later agreed.

During the eye movement test, police observed bloodshot, watery eyes and several indicators associated with impairment.

The officer also administered a one-leg stand test.

Lopez reportedly put her foot down several times and used her arms for balance.

She also stopped counting aloud during the test.

During the walk-and-turn test, Lopez allegedly struggled to maintain her starting position.

The complaint states she missed heel-to-toe steps, stepped off the line, and made an improper turn.

Following the tests, the officer requested a preliminary breath sample.

Lopez declined to provide the roadside sample.

Woman Arrested on Suspicion of DWI

Police arrested Lopez on suspicion of driving while impaired.

While inside the patrol vehicle, Lopez reportedly said she wanted to report an assault involving one of her daughters.

A Mahnomen County deputy attempted to contact the daughter for a statement.

However, investigators were unable to locate her.

Officers transported Lopez to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office for further testing.

Breath Test Returns .17 Alcohol Concentration

At the sheriff’s office, Lopez requested an opportunity to speak with an attorney.

Police provided a telephone and directories to help her contact legal counsel.

According to the complaint, Lopez later decided she no longer wanted to speak with an attorney.

She subsequently agreed to provide an evidentiary breath sample.

The test returned an alcohol concentration of .17.

Under Minnesota law, an alcohol concentration of .16 or higher is an aggravating factor in DWI cases.

The reported reading exceeded that threshold.

Lopez later told officers she did not want further action taken regarding her earlier assault report.

Police ultimately transported her back to the residence and released her to other people there.

Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Lopez with an impaired driving offense involving an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

The complaint describes the offense as third-degree DWI and classifies it as a gross misdemeanor.

The charge cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5), with a penalty reference to Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

A conviction could carry a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

These are maximum statutory penalties, not a sentence imposed by the court.

Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired driving law.

Additional information about the cited penalty provision is available under Minnesota Statute 169A.26.

Mahnomen County Court Proceedings

The criminal case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 44-CR-26-381.

The prosecutor’s file number is 26001308.

The criminal complaint was issued as a summons.

The supplied record does not establish a final court outcome or sentencing information.

Additional case details may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge remains an allegation. Lopez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.