Woman said her dog took the wheel and caused crash that killed an 82-year-old woman — what police discovered next

A Minnesota woman accused of causing a deadly head-on collision that killed an 82-year-old woman allegedly told authorities that her dog grabbed the steering wheel and caused the crash. However, investigators later uncovered evidence that raised serious questions about her account and ultimately led to criminal charges.

The tragic incident occurred on May 29, 2026, in Roseau County, Minnesota, and resulted in the death of Barbara Lee Welberg, 82. The driver of the other vehicle, 43-year-old Shauna Rae Dokken, now faces multiple criminal charges, including criminal vehicular homicide.

Deadly Crash on Highway 11

According to court documents and law enforcement reports, the collision happened at approximately 4 p.m. on Highway 11 near Roseau, Minnesota.

Authorities say Dokken was driving a red pickup truck eastbound when her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a sport utility vehicle driven by Barbara Lee Welberg. The impact was severe enough to cause Welberg’s SUV to overturn. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Welberg was pronounced dead there.

Victim Died at the Scene

Welberg, 82, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Authorities confirmed that she did not survive the collision and was declared dead at the scene after her vehicle overturned. The loss devastated family members and the local community.

Driver Sustained Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

Dokken survived the crash and suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. She was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment before investigators began interviewing her about what had happened.

The Driver’s Unusual Explanation

During the investigation, Dokken allegedly gave authorities an unusual explanation for the crash.

According to the criminal complaint, she claimed that her dog was inside the vehicle and became distracted while trying to get a treat. She said the dog grabbed or twisted the steering wheel, causing her truck to veer off course and spin out of control before crashing into Welberg’s vehicle.

Dog Allegedly Grabbed the Steering Wheel

Investigators said Dokken told them that her dog interfered with her ability to control the vehicle.

She reportedly claimed the animal grabbed the steering wheel while reaching for a treat, causing the truck to leave the roadway and eventually collide with the victim’s SUV. The explanation quickly became a focal point of the investigation.

What Witnesses Reported

As investigators gathered evidence, witness statements painted a troubling picture of what occurred before the collision.

Several witnesses reportedly observed Dokken’s pickup truck swerving into oncoming traffic prior to the crash. One witness told authorities that he had to drive onto the shoulder of the highway to avoid being struck. According to court records, the witness felt as though the pickup driver was intentionally tracking his movements and attempting to hit him.

Truck Was Seen Veering Into Oncoming Traffic

Witnesses said the truck was already driving erratically before the fatal collision occurred.

These accounts suggested that the vehicle’s movements may not have been caused solely by a sudden interaction with a dog moments before the crash. Investigators considered these statements significant while evaluating Dokken’s version of events.

Police Discover Signs of Possible Impairment

After speaking with Dokken, authorities noted observations that led them to investigate whether impairment may have played a role.

According to reports, Minnesota State Patrol troopers observed that Dokken was slurring her speech during interviews following the crash. Although she did not test positive for alcohol, investigators learned that she had taken prescription medications earlier in the day.

Admission to Taking Prescription Medications

Authorities said Dokken admitted she had taken Adderall and lorazepam before the crash.

The medications became a central focus of the investigation, particularly after officers observed signs that they believed were consistent with impairment. A blood sample was collected and sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. At the time reports were published, the toxicology results were still pending.

Partner Reportedly Described Prior Medication Misuse

According to the criminal complaint, Dokken’s partner informed investigators that she had previously misused prescribed medications by snorting them rather than taking them as directed.

That information became part of the evidence reviewed by investigators as they examined whether controlled substances may have contributed to the deadly collision.

Conflicting Accounts Raise Questions

Investigators reportedly found that Dokken provided multiple explanations regarding the crash.

Court documents indicate that she gave conflicting stories about the events leading up to the collision, including the claim that her dog caused the vehicle to go out of control. These inconsistencies reportedly increased investigators’ concerns about the accuracy of her statements.

Authorities Questioned Her Version of Events

The witness statements, allegations of erratic driving, signs of possible impairment, and conflicting explanations led investigators to scrutinize Dokken’s account carefully.

As the investigation progressed, authorities concluded there was sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against her.

Criminal Charges Filed

Following the investigation, Dokken was charged with several serious offenses.

Among the charges are criminal vehicular homicide and driving while impaired under the influence of a controlled substance. Authorities also alleged that the offense occurred within ten years of three or more prior qualified impaired-driving incidents.

Previous DWI Conviction

Court records show that Dokken had previously been convicted of driving while impaired in 2025.

Investigators also discovered that she was on probation from that earlier case when the fatal crash occurred. This fact could have significant implications as the criminal proceedings move forward.

Bail and Upcoming Court Appearance

After being arrested, Dokken was booked into the Roseau County Jail.

Authorities said she was being held on $200,000 bail. Court records indicate that she is scheduled to appear in court on June 10, 2026, for a probation violation hearing related to her prior impaired-driving case.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active as authorities await the results of laboratory testing.

The pending blood analysis from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is expected to provide additional information regarding whether controlled substances were present in Dokken’s system at the time of the crash. Prosecutors may use those findings as the criminal case proceeds.

A Tragic Case With Unanswered Questions

The fatal crash has drawn widespread attention because of the unusual claim that a dog grabbed the steering wheel and caused the collision. However, investigators say witness statements, observations made at the scene, allegations of prescription drug use, and conflicting accounts from the driver led them to look beyond that explanation.

As the legal process continues, the death of 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welberg remains at the center of a case that has sparked both public sympathy and intense scrutiny. Authorities are continuing to examine all available evidence to determine exactly what caused the crash that took her life.