Park Rapids, Hubbard County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Park Rapids woman faces a DWI charge. Police say the stop happened after midnight in Hubbard County.
Melissa Sue Mickelson is charged with third-degree driving while impaired. Prosecutors allege her alcohol concentration was 0.08 or higher within two hours.
The complaint says a deputy saw a white SUV on Central Avenue North in Park Rapids. The SUV braked and turned onto Essex Road.
The deputy reported that a driver-side brake light was not working. The deputy then stopped the SUV near County Road 81 and 159th Avenue.
The driver was identified as Mickelson, the complaint says. The deputy reported bloodshot, glossy eyes and an odor of alcohol.
Mickelson said she had three drinks that night, according to the complaint. She was asked to exit the SUV.
Field tests and breath results
The deputy ran standard field sobriety tests, the complaint says. The report describes several clues during the tests.
It reports signs of nystagmus during the HGN test. It says Mickelson swayed and put her foot down.
It also says she started early on the walk-and-turn test. The complaint says she missed heel-to-toe steps.
The report says she stepped off the line during the test. It also says she made an improper turn.
A preliminary breath test was given at the scene, the complaint says. The reported result was 0.196.
Mickelson was arrested on suspicion of DWI, according to the complaint. The deputy searched the SUV after the arrest.
The complaint says four unopened vodka seltzers were found. Mickelson was then taken to the Hubbard County Jail.
A certified breath-test operator later ran an evidentiary breath test. The complaint says Mickelson was read the Breath Test Advisory.
The report says she declined to contact an attorney. The complaint says an observation period began at 2:00 a.m.
It reports no burps, belches, or vomiting were seen. The evidentiary test reportedly returned a 0.16 result.
What the charge means
Third-degree DWI is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota. It can apply when a DWI has an aggravating factor. A 0.16 alcohol concentration can qualify.
You can read the statutes at the Revisor’s Office. See 169A.20 and 169A.26.
The complaint lists up to 364 days in jail. It also lists a $3,000 fine.
The case is pending in Hubbard County District Court. A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent.
Related resources
- Minnesota DPS: Impaired driving laws
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
- Minnesota Department of Health: Impaired driving
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Damm drink all you want but keep it at home lol
Lock her up for life before she starts killing innocent people for her bad decisions
What happened? Why the smiley emoji responses?
Oofta man she needs to get a punchcard every fifth one is free 😂
Keep her off the roads before she kills someone