Stephanie Faye Lopez is accused of driving while impaired during an incident on July 3, 2026.<\/p>\n
According to a Mahnomen County criminal complaint, police received a report that Lopez had been drinking before driving away.<\/p>\n
An evidentiary breath test later showed an alcohol concentration of .17.<\/p>\n
That reading was more than twice Minnesota’s standard legal driving limit of .08.<\/p>\n
Police Respond to Family Dispute<\/h2>\n
The investigation began around 12:08 a.m. when White Earth Police received a report of a family disturbance.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, a caller reported that her mother and sister had been fighting.<\/p>\n
The caller also reported that her mother had left in a vehicle while intoxicated.<\/p>\n
An officer located a vehicle matching the description provided to dispatch.<\/p>\n
Police observed the vehicle signal for a left turn but continue straight instead.<\/p>\n
The vehicle eventually pulled into a driveway, where the officer stopped behind it.<\/p>\n
Driver Reportedly Walks Away From Officer<\/h2>\n
According to the complaint, a woman exited the vehicle and appeared unsteady on her feet.<\/p>\n
The officer noticed she had difficulty maintaining her balance.<\/p>\n
When police attempted to speak with her, the woman began walking toward the residence.<\/p>\n
The officer repeatedly instructed her to stop, but she reportedly continued walking.<\/p>\n
The officer then stopped her and explained that police were investigating a possible impaired driver.<\/p>\n
People at the residence referred to the woman as Stephanie.<\/p>\n
She was later identified as Stephanie Faye Lopez.<\/p>\n
During the encounter, police reported smelling alcohol coming from Lopez.<\/p>\n
Field Sobriety Tests Show Signs of Impairment<\/h2>\n
The officer asked Lopez to participate in field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, she initially refused but later agreed.<\/p>\n
During the eye movement test, police observed bloodshot, watery eyes and several indicators associated with impairment.<\/p>\n
The officer also administered a one-leg stand test.<\/p>\n
Lopez reportedly put her foot down several times and used her arms for balance.<\/p>\n
She also stopped counting aloud during the test.<\/p>\n
During the walk-and-turn test, Lopez allegedly struggled to maintain her starting position.<\/p>\n
The complaint states she missed heel-to-toe steps, stepped off the line, and made an improper turn.<\/p>\n
Following the tests, the officer requested a preliminary breath sample.<\/p>\n
Lopez declined to provide the roadside sample.<\/p>\n
Woman Arrested on Suspicion of DWI<\/h2>\n
Police arrested Lopez on suspicion of driving while impaired.<\/p>\n
While inside the patrol vehicle, Lopez reportedly said she wanted to report an assault involving one of her daughters.<\/p>\n
A Mahnomen County deputy attempted to contact the daughter for a statement.<\/p>\n
However, investigators were unable to locate her.<\/p>\n
Officers transported Lopez to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office for further testing.<\/p>\n
Breath Test Returns .17 Alcohol Concentration<\/h2>\n
At the sheriff’s office, Lopez requested an opportunity to speak with an attorney.<\/p>\n
Police provided a telephone and directories to help her contact legal counsel.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Lopez later decided she no longer wanted to speak with an attorney.<\/p>\n
She subsequently agreed to provide an evidentiary breath sample.<\/p>\n
The test returned an alcohol concentration of .17.<\/p>\n
Under Minnesota law, an alcohol concentration of .16 or higher is an aggravating factor in DWI cases.<\/p>\n
The reported reading exceeded that threshold.<\/p>\n
Lopez later told officers she did not want further action taken regarding her earlier assault report.<\/p>\n
Police ultimately transported her back to the residence and released her to other people there.<\/p>\n
Gross Misdemeanor DWI Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors charged Lopez with an impaired driving offense involving an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.<\/p>\n
The complaint describes the offense as third-degree DWI and classifies it as a gross misdemeanor.<\/p>\n
The charge cites Minnesota Statute 169A.20, subdivision 1(5), with a penalty reference to Minnesota Statute 169A.26.<\/p>\n
A conviction could carry a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
These are maximum statutory penalties, not a sentence imposed by the court.<\/p>\n
Readers can review Minnesota’s impaired driving law<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional information about the cited penalty provision is available under Minnesota Statute 169A.26<\/a>.<\/p>\n The criminal case is filed in Mahnomen County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n The court file number is 44-CR-26-381.<\/p>\n The prosecutor’s file number is 26001308.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint was issued as a summons.<\/p>\n The supplied record does not establish a final court outcome or sentencing information.<\/p>\n Additional case details may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge remains an allegation. Lopez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nMahnomen County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
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