DOCS: Driver Ran Red Light, Caused Serious Crash in Inver Grove Heights

Oct 29

A 58-year-old woman has been charged after troopers say she ran a red light while intoxicated and crashed into another vehicle in Inver Grove Heights.

The incident last week left one person seriously injured, according to court documents filed in Dakota County.

> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter

According to a criminal complaint, Robin Kaye Coninx, of Mendota Heights, is charged with one felony count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in substantial bodily harm and one gross misdemeanor count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in bodily harm.

The charges stem from a crash that occurred around 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the intersection of Highway 149 and Wescott Road.

Troopers arrived to find a white Chevrolet Avalanche with heavy front-end damage in a ditch and a black Mercedes-Benz GLB with significant passenger-side damage blocking the intersection. Investigators learned the Mercedes contained three people. The driver suffered multiple injuries to her hips, shoulders, arms and ankle, while a front passenger sustained a serious brain bleed and remained hospitalized. The third person was not reported to have major injuries.

Two witnesses told troopers they were stopped behind the Mercedes on Wescott Road and were waiting for a green light when the crash happened. When the light turned green, the driver of the Mercedes began turning left and the witnesses said they saw the Avalanche coming from the right at high speed, never slowing before impact. Traffic camera footage from the intersection confirmed the witnesses’ account that the driver of the Avalanche ran the red light.

Officers identified the driver as Coninx, noting in reports that she “reeked” of alcohol and responded slowly to questions. Coninx reportedly told troopers she had been drinking at a bar before driving home north on Highway 149. She admitted consuming four mixed drinks, with her last around 4:30 p.m. and said her alcohol use didn’t affect her driving. She was taken to the hospital for her own injuries and provided a preliminary breath test that was above the legal limit. Troopers later obtained a warrant for a blood draw.

Coninx made an initial court appearance on Monday, where bail was set at $25,000 with conditions including no alcohol use. If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine on the felony count.

> See more of our latest coverage