Debra Beaulieu is accused of criminal vehicular operation after a Dodge Caravan left the roadway and struck a tree.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint, the crash occurred September 29, 2026, near Lumberjack Road Northwest and Irvine Avenue Northwest.<\/p>\n
Investigators allege Beaulieu operated the vehicle negligently while under the influence of a controlled substance.<\/p>\n
Van Leaves Roadway and Strikes Tree<\/h2>\n
Beltrami County deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash around 12:19 p.m.<\/p>\n
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a red Dodge Caravan off the roadway.<\/p>\n
The van had extensive front-end damage and appeared to have struck a tree.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the vehicle’s airbags had deployed.<\/p>\n
Inside the van, deputies found Beaulieu’s grandchild crying and holding an injured arm.<\/p>\n
The child was wearing a sling and appeared to be experiencing significant pain.<\/p>\n
Emergency medical personnel transported the child to Sanford Medical Center for evaluation.<\/p>\n
Driver Tells Deputies She Blacked Out<\/h2>\n
Investigators identified Beaulieu as the driver.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, she acknowledged having no driver’s license or vehicle insurance.<\/p>\n
Beaulieu reportedly told deputies she had blacked out while driving.<\/p>\n
She said the episode caused her to cross the centerline, leave the roadway, and strike the tree.<\/p>\n
Beaulieu explained that the family was returning from shopping.<\/p>\n
She also reported feeling sick and purchasing over-the-counter cold medicine.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, Beaulieu described experiencing a similar blackout about one year earlier.<\/p>\n
She said doctors had not identified a medical cause.<\/p>\n
Deputies Observe Possible Impairment<\/h2>\n
During questioning, deputies noticed Beaulieu had bloodshot, watery eyes.<\/p>\n
Investigators also described her behavior as unusually relaxed considering the serious crash and her grandchild’s injuries.<\/p>\n
Another passenger, Darryl Beaulieu, told deputies his mother had lost consciousness while driving.<\/p>\n
Officers asked Debra Beaulieu to complete field sobriety tests.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, investigators observed eye movements and balance problems that raised concerns about possible impairment.<\/p>\n
During a timing test, Beaulieu estimated 30 seconds had passed in approximately 21 seconds.<\/p>\n
Deputies also reported significant eyelid tremors and unusual pupil reactions.<\/p>\n
Woman Allegedly Admits Using Fentanyl and Marijuana<\/h2>\n
Following the roadside investigation, deputies arrested Beaulieu.<\/p>\n
After receiving a Miranda warning, she reportedly discussed her recent drug use.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Beaulieu admitted smoking several puffs of fentanyl approximately two days before the crash.<\/p>\n
She also reportedly admitted smoking about one and a half marijuana joints around 7 a.m. that morning.<\/p>\n
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample.<\/p>\n
The sample was collected around 4:31 p.m. on September 29.<\/p>\n
The supplied complaint does not include the blood test results.<\/p>\n
Grandchild Suffers Arm Injury<\/h2>\n
Investigators later met with the injured child and Darryl Beaulieu at the hospital.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the child had bruising near the upper chest and chin.<\/p>\n
The child also reported significant left arm pain and difficulty moving the arm.<\/p>\n
An investigator described a substantial temporary loss of function involving the child’s left arm.<\/p>\n
The complaint does not include a final diagnosis confirming a fracture.<\/p>\n
Two Felony Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors charged Beaulieu with two counts of felony criminal vehicular operation involving substantial bodily harm.<\/p>\n
Count I:<\/strong> Negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing substantial bodily harm with an alleged prohibited controlled substance present.<\/p>\n Count II:<\/strong> Negligent operation of a motor vehicle causing substantial bodily harm while allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance.<\/p>\n Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n These penalties represent statutory maximums, not sentences imposed by the court.<\/p>\n Readers can review Minnesota’s criminal vehicular operation statute<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court number 04-CR-26-2407.<\/p>\n The prosecutor’s file number is 0040093610.<\/p>\n The complaint includes an order of detention but does not establish Beaulieu’s current custody status.<\/p>\n Additional court information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charges remain allegations. Beaulieu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nBeltrami County Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n
![\"Bemidji](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Debra-Beaulieu-1024x683.png\")
<\/a>