{"id":19869,"date":"2026-02-21T04:14:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T10:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=19869"},"modified":"2026-02-21T11:40:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T17:40:43","slug":"park-rapids-woman-charged-in-16-dwi-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/park-rapids-woman-charged-in-16-dwi-case\/","title":{"rendered":"Park Rapids Woman Charged in .16 DWI Case"},"content":{"rendered":"

Park Rapids, Hubbard County<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2014 A Park Rapids woman faces a DWI charge. Police say the stop happened after midnight in Hubbard County.<\/p>\n

Melissa Sue Mickelson is charged with third-degree driving while impaired. Prosecutors allege her alcohol concentration was 0.08 or higher within two hours.<\/p>\n

The complaint says a deputy saw a white SUV on Central Avenue North in Park Rapids. The SUV braked and turned onto Essex Road.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The driver was identified as Mickelson, the complaint says. The deputy reported bloodshot, glossy eyes and an odor of alcohol.<\/p>\n

Mickelson said she had three drinks that night, according to the complaint. She was asked to exit the SUV.<\/p>\n

\"Melissa
Melissa Sue Mickelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Field tests and breath results<\/h2>\n

The deputy ran standard field sobriety tests, the complaint says. The report describes several clues during the tests.<\/p>\n

It reports signs of nystagmus during the HGN test. It says Mickelson swayed and put her foot down.<\/p>\n

It also says she started early on the walk-and-turn test. The complaint says she missed heel-to-toe steps.<\/p>\n

The report says she stepped off the line during the test. It also says she made an improper turn.<\/p>\n

A preliminary breath test was given at the scene, the complaint says. The reported result was 0.196.<\/p>\n

Mickelson was arrested on suspicion of DWI, according to the complaint. The deputy searched the SUV after the arrest.<\/p>\n

The complaint says four unopened vodka seltzers were found. Mickelson was then taken to the Hubbard County Jail.<\/p>\n

A certified breath-test operator later ran an evidentiary breath test. The complaint says Mickelson was read the Breath Test Advisory.<\/p>\n

The report says she declined to contact an attorney. The complaint says an observation period began at 2:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

It reports no burps, belches, or vomiting were seen. The evidentiary test reportedly returned a 0.16 result.<\/p>\n

What the charge means<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

You can read the statutes at the Revisor\u2019s Office. See 169A.20<\/a> and 169A.26<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The complaint lists up to 364 days in jail. It also lists a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n

The case is pending in Hubbard County District Court. A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/h2>\n