Woman Charged with DWI in Dakota County After Traffic Stop, Prior Impaired Driving Alleged
Published: April 29th 2026
MENDOTA HEIGHTS MN: A woman is facing a driving while impaired (DWI) charge in Dakota County following a late-night traffic stop in Mendota Heights, according to a criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, at approximately 11:16 p.m. on April 24, 2026, an officer with the Mendota Heights Police Department observed a vehicle traveling near Highway 55 and Highway 13 cross over lane lines multiple times.
The driver was identified as Kate Marie Zappa (DOB: 10/14/1988), the defendant in the case. When asked how much she had to drink, Zappa allegedly stated she had consumed two drinks.
The complaint states Zappa agreed to perform field sobriety tests but was unable to perform them satisfactorily. She also agreed to a preliminary breath test (PBT), which resulted in a fail reading. She was then placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
According to the complaint, Zappa was read the Minnesota Breath Test Advisory, stated she understood it, and agreed to provide a breath sample. The test indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.18 at approximately 11:58 p.m.
A review of the defendant’s driving record reflects a prior qualified impaired driving incident, including a conviction, license revocation, or similar ordinance violation, on May 13, 2025, according to the complaint.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
