ROSEAU, Minn. (WKRC) – Authorities report that a woman's claims about her dog grabbing the steering wheel led to a fatal accident on May 29.
At approximately 4 p.m., 43-year-old Shauna Dokken was driving on the highway when she swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with an SUV driven by 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welburg, resulting in Welburg's death.
First responders noted that Dokken exhibited slurred speech but did not test positive for alcohol. According to local reports, she had taken multiple prescription medications earlier that day, including Adderall and lorazepam.
Dokken sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. Welburg's vehicle flipped during the crash, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness stated he had to maneuver off the road to avoid a collision with Dokken and described her driving as erratic, suggesting it felt intentional.
Dokken provided conflicting accounts to authorities regarding the events leading up to the crash, including a claim that her dog distracted her and caused her to lose control of the vehicle.
According to reports, Dokken was on probation for a prior DWI conviction at the time of the incident. She has since been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.