Teenage Driver Accused of Drunk Driving Charges Postponed Due to Request for New Judge

Strategic Insights -

The arraignment of 17-year-old Addison S. Bowell, accused of driving drunk and killing a runner, has been postponed as she has requested a new judge to preside over the case. Bowell is facing charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, and hit and run that involves a death. Her attorneys have filed a motion for Judge James Peterson to be removed from the case and a substitute judge be appointed, citing the need for an impartial judge. The new judge, Judge Christina Mayer, has been appointed, and the arraignment has now been set for July 17.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 17-year-old driver, Addison S. Bowell, has been charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and hit and run that involves a death, following a fatal crash on March 29 in Dunn County.
  • The charges carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.
  • Bowell's attorneys have filed a motion for Judge James Peterson to be removed from the case, citing the need for an impartial judge.
  • A new judge, Judge Christina Mayer, has been appointed, and the arraignment has now been set for July 17.
  • Bowell's mother met police at the scene of the crash and informed them that her daughter was likely the person who struck Seidl.
  • A preliminary breath test showed a .114 blood-alcohol level, which is above the legal limit.
  • The vehicle was found to be missing a mirror and a headlight, and officers found empty bottles of alcohol during a search of the vehicle.
  • Bowell has also been cited for OWI first offense, operating left of center, inattentive driving, and failure to notify police of an accident.

Statistics:

  • The blood-alcohol level of Addison S. Bowell at the time of the crash was .114, which is above the legal limit.
  • The vehicle was found to be missing a mirror and a headlight.
  • The crash occurred on March 29, 2025.
  • The driver, Addison S. Bowell, was 17 years old at the time of the crash.
  • The victim, Ann M. Seidl, was 54 years old and was out for a morning run when the crash occurred.

Sources:

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