The charge follows a June 26, 2026, incident involving a motor vehicle. Prosecutors allege Smith used the vehicle as a dangerous weapon.<\/p>\n
The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court. The court file number is 44-CR-26-376.<\/p>\n
Fight Reported on College Road<\/h2>\n
Law enforcement was called to College Road around 6:23 p.m. Officers were initially responding to a reported fight.<\/p>\n
While responding, officers learned that Tessa Marie Smith had reportedly been struck by a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Police later found Tessa at another nearby address. The complaint says she had apparent injuries to her knees.<\/p>\n
An officer reviewed cellphone video showing part of the incident. The video allegedly showed Tessa standing in the roadway.<\/p>\n
She was reportedly yelling toward Virginia Smith’s residence. Dean Ray Hanks Jr. then ran toward Tessa, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Tessa and Hanks are siblings. The complaint says they began pushing each other during the confrontation.<\/p>\n
A vehicle then approached the pair at a low speed. The vehicle allegedly struck Tessa, causing her to fall.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors identify Virginia Smith as the driver.<\/p>\n
Complaint Describes Earlier Disputes<\/h2>\n
Investigators also spoke with Acacia Kier about events before the reported collision.<\/p>\n
Kier said she saw Tessa at Starmart. Kier believed Tessa approached her while attempting to start a fight.<\/p>\n
Kier said she left Starmart and went to Dollar General. She then contacted dispatch about the situation.<\/p>\n
The complaint says Tessa later approached Kier again near railroad tracks. Kier then went to an address on Zhaawanong.<\/p>\n
A vehicle carrying Tessa was later seen traveling on College Road. It reportedly stopped behind a nearby residence.<\/p>\n
Felony Assault Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Virginia Smith is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.222<\/a>.<\/p>\n The statute covers second-degree assault involving a dangerous weapon. The complaint identifies the motor vehicle as the alleged weapon.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, a $14,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n The case also references Minnesota Statute 609.11<\/a>.<\/p>\n A criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court. Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.<\/p>\n
![\"Mahnomen](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Mahnomen-Woman-Charged-in-Alleged-Vehicle-Assault-1024x576.png\")