Impaired Driver Causes Snowmobiling Accident

Blueberry Township, MN – The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office reported that last Monday, November 21st, two people were found unconscious on a roadway by a passing motorist.

Carl Hendrickson, 28, and Stephanie Velasio, 26, were riding a snowmobile westbound on 340th Street when the snowmobile began to skid and rolled sideways. Neither Hendrickson nor Velasio were wearing helmets.

They were transported to St. Joseph’s hospital in Park Rapids. Velasio was then transported to a higher level of care facility for her injuries and Hendrickson was treated and released.

Hendrickson was arrested and had his first appearance in Wadena County Disrict Court on Wednesday, November 23. He was charged with Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation and Felony First Degree Driving While Impaired. His bail was set at $4000.

The Sheriff’s office was assisted by Menahga Police Department, Menahga First Responders and Tri County Ambulance.