Warroad Woman Charged After Children in DWI Crash

WARROAD (trfnews.i234.me) — A Warroad woman faces four charges after a car struck a tree with two children inside.

Marla Rose Hegstrom, 36, is charged in Roseau County District Court.

The charges include two gross misdemeanor DWI counts and child endangerment. She also faces a misdemeanor crash-reporting charge.

The allegations are contained in a criminal complaint. They have not been proven in court.

Mustang Allegedly Struck Tree

The crash was reported at about 7:30 a.m. on June 21, 2026.

A caller said a yellow car struck a tree along Dale Avenue Southwest. The vehicle then left the property, according to the complaint.

Police later found a yellow Ford Mustang about two blocks away.

The Mustang had fresh damage to its hood and front bumper. Tree bark was reportedly lodged in the damaged areas.

Investigators said the engine was still warm.

Hegstrom allegedly said her 12-year-old daughter was sitting on her lap. The child was steering while Hegstrom controlled the pedals.

Marla Rose Hegstrom

The complaint says a 12-year-old and a 5-year-old were inside the Mustang.

The older child allegedly said the vehicle suddenly accelerated. It crossed a curb and struck the tree.

The child reported hitting her head during the crash. The younger child said she injured her elbow.

Emergency medical workers examined both children. They were medically cleared at the scene.

Police reported seeing signs that Hegstrom had consumed alcohol.

The complaint cites bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol.

Field sobriety exercises were stopped because Hegstrom appeared unable to safely maintain her balance.

She was arrested and taken to the Roseau County Detention Center.

Two breath samples reportedly measured 0.312% and 0.318% alcohol concentration.

Minnesota’s standard driving limit is 0.08%, according to the Minnesota DWI statute.

The complaint lists three alleged aggravating factors. Those include the children, the reported alcohol level, and a 2019 DWI conviction.

Each gross misdemeanor count carries a possible sentence of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

Court information may be reviewed through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.