Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) – A Thief River Falls woman faces a high-test DWI charge after a late-night traffic stop.
According to a criminal complaint, 65-year-old Lori Ann Severson of Thief River Falls was stopped on November 22.
The traffic stop happened at about 10:37 p.m. near Highway 32 and Sanford Parkway in Pennington County.
The complaint says an officer spoke with Severson at the driver’s window after the vehicle was stopped.
During that contact, the officer reportedly noticed signs that Severson might be impaired by alcohol.
Indicators included the odor of alcohol, possible slurred speech, and difficulty with normal movements, according to the complaint.
Severson was asked to complete standard field sobriety tests on the roadside near the intersection that night.
The complaint states she did not pass those tests. At the end, she allegedly said to give her a ticket.
A preliminary breath test was then given at the scene. The reported result was a 0.16 Blood Alcohol Content.
Severson was arrested and taken to jail for further testing and booking procedures related to the DWI investigation.
At the jail, she provided two breath samples using a DMT machine. Both tests reportedly showed a 0.16 BAC result.
Based on the test results, Severson has been charged with third-degree DWI – 0.16 or greater, a gross misdemeanor.
Minnesota’s legal limit for most drivers is 0.08 BAC. Details appear in Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
That law also explains enhanced penalties for a 0.16 or higher test result. Those cases can bring tougher sanctions.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety shares impaired driving information and crash data on its Office of Traffic Safety website.
Drivers convicted of high-test DWI can face fines, license loss, and possible jail time. Vehicle penalties may also apply.
Severson’s case will move through Pennington County District Court. Case details and hearing dates are listed on the Minnesota Judicial Branch online system.
At this stage, the charge against Lori Ann Severson is only an allegation. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Officials continue to urge drivers to plan sober rides and avoid driving after drinking. Impaired driving remains a major safety concern.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
