Hubbard County (trfnews.i234.me) A Nevis woman is facing two DWI charges after a traffic stop in Hubbard County. Laureen Aileen Gitchel, 70, is charged with second-degree driving while impaired. She also faces a charge for an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.
Traffic stop details
According to the criminal complaint, the stop happened on February 9, 2026, around 7:27 p.m. A deputy spotted a white Chevy Avalanche. The complaint says a passenger-side taillight was not working. The deputy stopped the vehicle near County Road 33 and County Road 119.
The deputy identified the driver as Gitchel, the complaint says. The deputy reported slurred speech and slow movements. The deputy also noted bloodshot, watery eyes. Gitchel was asked to step out. She reportedly lost her balance and took extra steps.
Field tests and breath tests
The complaint says the deputy ran field sobriety tests. The deputy reported eye clues during the horizontal gaze test. The complaint says Gitchel struggled during balance tests. A preliminary breath test later showed a reported 0.223 result.
Gitchel was arrested and taken to the Hubbard County Jail, the complaint says. An evidentiary breath test at the jail showed a reported 0.17 result. Minnesota agencies often use the DataMaster DMT for evidentiary breath testing. State officials describe the DMT as part of impaired driving enforcement.
Prior record and charges
Court records say Gitchel had a prior DWI conviction in Hubbard County in January 2024. Prosecutors cite that prior case as an aggravating factor. Under Minnesota law, second-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor can carry up to 364 days in jail. It can also carry a fine up to $3,000.
Next steps
The complaint lists two gross misdemeanor counts in this case. The court file date is February 10, 2026. Future hearings will address the charges and any release terms.
External resources
- Minnesota Statute 169A.25 (Second-Degree DWI)
- Minnesota Statute 169A.20 (DWI / 0.08 within 2 hours)
- Minnesota DPS: DataMaster DMT updates
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.