TENSTRIKE, Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Red Lake woman faces criminal charges after a report of dangerous driving on Highway 71.
Prosecutors charged Brenda Lynn Tarnow, 64, of Red Lake, with drug-related driving while impaired and driving after license cancellation.
Both charges are gross misdemeanors, according to a complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court.
The incident occurred on October 30, 2026.
Driver Reported in Wrong Lane on Highway 71
According to the complaint, dispatch received a report about a black Chevrolet Impala driving erratically near Tenstrike.
The caller reported seeing the vehicle traveling in the wrong lane.
The Impala allegedly made a U-turn and crossed into oncoming traffic, nearly causing a collision.
The caller later reported that the vehicle stopped at the former 71 Mart location near Turtle River.
Deputies arrived and found a parked black Impala.
They identified Tarnow as the driver, according to the complaint.
Police Report Statements About Drug Use
Tarnow reportedly told deputies she feared a semitruck was following her.
However, the original caller was driving a regular-sized pickup truck, the complaint states.
During the investigation, Tarnow acknowledged driving the wrong way.
Deputies also learned that her driver’s license had been canceled as inimical to public safety.
Tarnow reportedly admitted knowing she was not allowed to drive.
She agreed to complete field sobriety tests.
During testing, deputies reported problems with balance, following directions, and counting steps.
She also estimated 30 seconds had passed after only 10 seconds, according to the complaint.
The filing states Tarnow admitted smoking marijuana and methamphetamine earlier that day.
Prior DWI Conviction Listed
Deputies transported Tarnow to the Beltrami County Jail following the investigation.
The complaint states that investigators applied for a search warrant.
However, the supplied filing does not include blood or urine test results.
Prosecutors allege Tarnow violated Minnesota’s drug-related DWI law involving Schedule I or II controlled substances.
The complaint also cites a previous DWI conviction under case number 56-CR-25-2296.
That conviction is listed as part of her criminal history.
Two Gross Misdemeanor Charges Filed
The first charge falls under Minnesota Statute 169A.20.
The second charge involves driving after cancellation under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District under number 04-CR-26-2750.
Readers can search the case through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Tarnow is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
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