Park Rapids Woman Charged After Motorcycle Crash

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A 22-year-old Park Rapids woman faces felony charges after a Jeep collided with a motorcycle, leaving the rider with a broken leg bone and other injuries.

Destiny Lora Rae Martin, 22, of Park Rapids, is charged with criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm and misdemeanor DWI.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Hubbard County District Court, investigators suspected drug impairment following the October 2, 2026, crash.

Motorcyclist Injured at Park Rapids Intersection

At approximately 5:22 p.m., Park Rapids police responded to a motorcycle crash at 1st Street East and Middle Avenue.

When police arrived, they discovered a motorcycle lying in the roadway.

The rider, identified as Ezra Walz, was lying near the motorcycle with visible injuries.

Walz initially reported believing his foot or ankle was broken.

Officers also observed bleeding from his wrist and knee.

Jeep Allegedly Turns in Front of Motorcycle

Walz told investigators he was traveling westbound on 1st Street East when an approaching Jeep turned in front of him.

According to the complaint, the Jeep was traveling eastbound and attempting to turn north onto Middle Avenue.

The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the Jeep.

Police observed significant damage to the Jeep’s passenger side.

Martin told investigators she did not see the motorcycle before making the turn.

She also explained that she was unfamiliar with driving a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.

Witness Reports Reckless Driving

A witness, Jason Roth, told police he had noticed the Jeep earlier near Simonson’s.

According to the complaint, Roth observed the vehicle accelerating through the parking lot before entering Highway 71.

He estimated the Jeep had been traveling 35 to 40 mph inside the parking lot.

Roth later recognized the same Jeep at the crash scene.

He told investigators he confronted Martin about what he considered dangerous driving.

Destiny Martin — DESTINY LORA RAE MARTIN

Police Investigate Possible Drug Impairment

While speaking with Martin, an officer reported observing constricted pupils, bloodshot and watery eyes, and slow speech.

According to court documents, Martin acknowledged smoking marijuana approximately one hour before the collision.

She also reported taking hydroxyzine, an anxiety medication, around 9 a.m. that morning.

Police administered field sobriety tests.

During testing, investigators reported unusual eye movements, swaying, balance difficulties, and an improper turn.

Martin was arrested and transported to the Hubbard County Jail.

Investigators obtained a search warrant and collected a urine sample.

The supplied complaint does not include laboratory results from that sample.

Motorcyclist Reports Fracture and Additional Injuries

Walz was transported to St. Joseph’s Emergency Room following the crash.

He reported injuries to his ankle, wrists, hip, and several areas affected by cuts.

During a follow-up conversation October 3, Walz told police that medical personnel had identified a broken leg bone.

He also reported sprains involving both wrists and bruising to his hip.

The injuries formed part of the basis for the felony criminal vehicular operation charge.

Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation Charge Filed

Martin faces two criminal charges:

Count 1: Criminal vehicular operation causing substantial bodily harm while allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance – Felony.
Count 2: Fourth-degree DWI involving an alleged controlled substance – Misdemeanor.

The felony charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.2113.

A conviction carries a maximum possible penalty of three years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The DWI charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.

That misdemeanor carries a maximum possible penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.