A Northern Minnesota woman is facing vehicular homicide charges after prosecutors say she crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a car, killing the driver.
According to the criminal complaint, 43-year-old Shauna Dokken was swerving a red pickup truck on the wrong-side of Highway 11 before hitting an SUV on May 29th near Roseau, in far northern Minnesota along the Canadian border.
The crash killed an 82-year-old Barbara Welberg of Baudette.
Dokken blamed her dog for grabbing the steering wheel while reaching for a treat. Dokken was transported to Lifecare Medical Center in Roseau with non-life-threatening injuries.
She later admitted to taking several prescription medications that day, including Adderall and Lorazepam, but she did test negative for alcohol.
Court records show Dokken was on probation at the time for driving under the influence of drugs.
Dokken is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and criminal vehicular homicide.
43-year old Shauna Dokken claims her dog grabbed the wheel trying to reach for a treat
43-year old Shauna Dokken claims her dog grabbed the wheel trying to reach for a treat
