Accident in Minnesota Results in Charges
A woman from Minnesota, Shauna Rae Dokken, is facing charges following a head-on collision that tragically led to the death of 82-year-old Barbara Lee Wellberg. According to court documents, Dokken claimed that her dog interfered with the steering wheel just before the crash.
Dokken, aged 43, was charged with vehicular homicide due to gross negligence in Roseau County District Court on Monday. This incident took place on June 27 on Minnesota Highway 11.
Reports from several drivers indicated that Dokken was driving erratically leading up to the crash, with one witness even calling 911 and attempting to follow her truck after observing her veering into oncoming traffic.
Authorities allege that Dokken’s Ford F-250 crossed the center line and collided head-on with Wellberg’s Kia Sorento, resulting in Wellberg’s death at the scene. Dokken sustained injuries but they are not considered life-threatening.
During the investigation, Dokken provided multiple explanations for what happened. At one point, she attributed the crash to her dog getting in the way and grabbing the steering wheel.
Officers who arrived at the scene noted signs of slurred speech from Dokken. The complaint mentions she had taken several prescription medications that day, including Bath Pearl, Lorazepam, and Adderall, but she denied consuming alcohol, registering a 0.00 on a preliminary breath test.
In light of the investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant for blood samples, which have been sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation for further analysis. The Roseau County Attorney’s Office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and will depend in part on these laboratory test results. There is a possibility that additional charges could follow based on the findings.
Furthermore, court records indicate a statement from Dokken’s girlfriend mentioning that Dokken had a history of misusing prescription drugs. It’s worth noting that the allegations have yet to be proven in court.
Dokken is currently in custody after a detention order was issued by District Judge Tamara Yong. A representative from the Roseau County Attorney’s Office noted that during her first court appearance, she had a public defender, although it’s unclear if she will continue with that representation or seek a private attorney.
The Minnesota State Patrol has been contacted for additional information, and the Roseau County Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the investigation remains active with potential further charges.
