Roseau County, Minnesota — A Minnesota woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she caused a deadly head-on collision that killed an 82-year-old woman and later claimed her dog was responsible for the crash.
The fatal wreck occurred on May 29 along Highway 11, where investigators say a routine drive turned into a tragedy that left one woman dead and another facing serious criminal charges.
Driver Claims Dog Caused Crash
According to court documents, 43-year-old Shauna Rae Dokken allegedly told authorities that her dog grabbed the steering wheel while attempting to get a treat inside the vehicle.
Investigators say Dokken claimed she tried to regain control of her vehicle after the dog interfered with her driving. According to her statement, the vehicle struck the shoulder of the highway, spun out and crossed into oncoming traffic.
The vehicle then allegedly collided head-on with another car driven by 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welberg. The impact caused Welberg’s vehicle to overturn.
Elderly Victim Pronounced Dead at Scene
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the collision, but authorities said Welberg died from her injuries. The 82-year-old was pronounced dead at the crash site.
The fatal collision has left family members and community residents mourning the loss of a woman whose life was cut short in a devastating roadway accident.
Meanwhile, Dokken reportedly suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities Suspect Impairment
While investigating the crash, law enforcement officers reportedly noticed signs that raised concerns about Dokken’s condition.
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According to reports, officers alleged that Dokken was slurring her speech during interviews following the collision. Although she reportedly tested negative for alcohol, investigators said she admitted to taking Adderall and lorazepam earlier that day.
Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood test conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The results could play a significant role in the ongoing criminal case.
Additional Allegations Surface During Investigation
Court documents also allege that Dokken’s partner told investigators she had previously misused prescription medications.
According to the criminal complaint, authorities were informed that Dokken had allegedly taken medication in ways other than prescribed in the past.
Investigators continue reviewing evidence surrounding the crash while awaiting toxicology results. At the time of the incident, officials said Dokken was already serving probation in connection with an unrelated criminal case.
Multiple Charges Filed
Following the investigation, Dokken was charged with criminal vehicular homicide and driving while impaired involving a controlled substance, among other offenses.
Authorities also cited allegations involving prior impaired-driving incidents within the last decade.
Court records indicate she is currently being held at the Roseau County Jail on $200,000 bail. She is expected to appear in court on June 10 for a probation violation hearing related to her existing case.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence connected to the fatal crash.
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