Farmington Woman Charged After Lakeville Crash Left Driver with Severe Neck Fracture
Published: June 13, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA: A Farmington woman is facing a felony criminal vehicular operation charge after authorities allege she ran a red light while looking at her cellphone, causing a serious crash in Lakeville that left another driver with a severe neck fracture and long-term injuries.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Christy Jennifer Dwinnell, 50, of Farmington, has been charged with one count of Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm (Negligence and Schedule I or II Controlled Substance Present), a felony offense under Minnesota law.
The charge stems from a two-vehicle crash that occurred on September 28, 2025, around 5:42 PM at the intersection of 215th Street West and Dodd Blvd in Lakeville, MN.
Crash Left Multiple Victims Injured
According to the complaint, Lakeville police officers responded to reports of a serious crash and found a silver Ford Explorer SUV partially on a retaining wall and sidewalk. A green Toyota Sienna minivan involved in the collision remained in the roadway behind the SUV. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage.
Investigators said they made contact with the driver of the minivan, identified in court documents as the victim, who remained trapped inside the vehicle along with her two children while emergency personnel evaluated their injuries. The victim reportedly told officers she was unable to move her neck following the collision. One of her children also complained of abdominal injuries. The victim and both children were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Defendant Allegedly Admitted Running Red Light
Court documents state officers spoke with Dwinnell at the scene. She was reportedly uninjured and allegedly admitted to running a red light after looking down at her cellphone.
According to the complaint, Dwinnell told officers the crash was "completely her fault." Investigators also noted that Dwinnell's speech appeared slow, labored, and slurred during their interaction. The complaint goes on to state that Dwinnell told officers she had taken a 500-milligram Methocarbamol pill, a muscle relaxant, earlier that morning. She also reportedly disclosed taking additional medications, including medication prescribed for ADHD, and stated she believed she could still drive if she did so cautiously.
Police also interviewed witnesses at the scene who reportedly corroborated that Dwinnell entered the intersection against a red traffic signal and struck the victim's minivan.
Blood Testing Revealed Controlled Substance Metabolites
As part of the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from Dwinnell. The sample was submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.
According to the complaint, laboratory results revealed the presence of THC metabolites and amphetamine metabolites in Dwinnell's blood. Court documents note that amphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota law.
The felony charge alleges Dwinnell operated a motor vehicle in a negligent manner while a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance, or its metabolite, was present in her body and that her actions resulted in substantial bodily harm to another person.
Victim Suffered Serious Neck Injury
Investigators later obtained the victim's medical records, which detailed the extent of her injuries. According to the complaint, the victim sustained a C2 cervical vertebra fracture, commonly referred to as a "hangman's fracture." The injury reportedly required ongoing neurological treatment and occupational therapy. The victim told investigators that the collision caused her C2 vertebra to split into two pieces.
Under Minnesota law, substantial bodily harm includes injuries that involve a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of a bodily function, a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or fractures.
Potential Penalties
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, according to the complaint.
A summons has been issued requiring Dwinnell to appear in Dakota County District Court. The first court appearance is set for July 14, 2026, at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Written by: Will Wight
