Driver accused of killing 82-year-old in head-on crash claims her dog seized the steering wheel beforehand
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A Minnesota woman, embroiled in a fatal accident investigation, has claimed that her dog inadvertently took control of her vehicle, leading to a head-on collision that resulted in the death of an 82-year-old woman, according to court documents.

Shauna Rae Dokken, aged 43, faces charges of criminal vehicular homicide in Roseau County District Court. The charges allege she operated her vehicle in a grossly negligent manner, contributing to the unfortunate incident.

The tragic event occurred on June 27 along Minnesota Highway 11, resulting in the death of Barbara Lee Welberg, who was 82 years old.

The criminal complaint reveals that several motorists observed Dokken’s erratic driving prior to the crash. One witness reportedly contacted 911 and attempted to trail Dokken’s pickup after noticing it veering into oncoming traffic lanes.

Shauna Rae Dokken, seen in a photograph, is facing charges related to the deadly head-on collision in Roseau County, Minnesota. (Credit: Roseau County Sheriff’s Office)

According to authorities, Dokken’s Ford F-250 crossed the center line, colliding head-on with Welberg’s Kia Sorento. Tragically, Welberg succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while Dokken was hospitalized with injuries deemed non-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.

Traffic on Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) in Burnsville, Minnesota

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 Agency 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 Agency 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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