MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 35-year-old Hastings woman has been charged with allegedly driving with a blood alcohol content of over twice the driving limit with a 6-year-old child in the car, according to authorities.
Melissa Marie Johnson now faces two counts of second-degree DWI (gross misdemeanor) and driving after suspension (misdemeanor) in connection to the March 20 incident.
According to the criminal complaint, at 3:30 p.m., a Dakota County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Johnson in Vermillion Township after noticing her vehicle driving erratically and too fast.
When the deputy made contact with Johnson, she immediately stated, “Sorry for speeding, but she had her kid with her.” The deputy noticed a very strong odor of a consumed alcoholic beverage coming from her and the car. Her eyes were also glossy and she admitted to consuming one margarita with lunch, the complaint said.
Johnson failed a field sobriety test, however, and was placed under arrest.
About an hour after the traffic stop, Johnson agreed to a breath test and blew a .21 BAC, according to the complaint.
If convicted of all charges, Johnson could face up to one year in prison for the DWI charges and up to 90 days in prison on the driving after suspension charge.
