A tragic incident involving a head-on collision that claimed the life of an 82-year-old woman has been linked to a peculiar explanation given by a Minnesota driver. According to court documents, the woman, Shauna Rae Dokken, claimed that her dog had seized the steering wheel just before the crash.
On Monday, 43-year-old Dokken faced charges in Roseau County District Court. She has been accused of criminal vehicular homicide, with allegations that she operated the vehicle with gross negligence.
The charge is connected to a devastating accident that occurred on June 27 along Minnesota Highway 11, resulting in the death of Barbara Lee Welberg.
The criminal complaint highlights that several drivers witnessed Dokken’s erratic behavior on the road prior to the collision. One observer reported that he dialed 911 and endeavored to track Dokken’s pickup after it veered completely into the opposite lane of traffic.
Shauna Rae Dokken, captured in a photo provided by the Roseau County Sheriff’s Office, is now facing serious legal consequences for her role in the fatal crash in Roseau County, Minnesota.
Authorities allege Dokken’s Ford F-250 later crossed the center line and collided head-on with Welberg’s Kia Sorento. Welberg was pronounced dead at the scene. Dokken was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators said Dokken gave varying accounts of what led to the crash. According to the complaint, she told investigators at one point that her dog interfered with the vehicle and grabbed the steering wheel before the collision.
Troopers responding to the crash also noted that Dokken appeared to have slurred speech, according to court records.
A Minnesota State Patrol vehicle is parked on an interstate highway in Minnesota. (Minnesota State Patrol)
The complaint states that Dokken told investigators she had taken prescription medications that day, including Buspar, lorazepam and Adderall. She denied consuming alcohol, and a preliminary breath test registered 0.00, according to the complaint.
Authorities later obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.
The investigation remains ongoing pending laboratory testing, according to the Roseau County Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said additional charges could be filed depending on the results of the analysis.
A Minnesota roadway is pictured in Burnsville on April 2, 2026. Authorities say a Roseau County woman has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed an 82-year-old woman. (Elizabeth Flores/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Court records also cite statements from Dokken’s significant other, who told investigators she had previously misused prescription medications.
The allegations outlined in the complaint have not been proven in court.
Dokken remained in custody Monday after a detention order was signed by Roseau County District Judge Tamara Yon.
A representative for the Roseau County Attorney’s Office told News Media all criminal defendants are accompanied by a public defender at their initial court appearance, but it was not immediately clear whether Dokken would continue to be represented by a public defender or retain private counsel.
News Media reached out to the Minnesota State Patrol for additional information. The Roseau County Attorney’s Office confirmed the investigation remains ongoing pending testing and said additional charges could result depending on the findings.
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