safety
State Rep. Elliott Engen pleads not guilty to charges in DWI arrest
By Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
Republican State Rep. Elliott Engen pleaded not guilty on Friday to all charges stemming from a DWI arrest in March.
A White Bear Lake police officer stopped Engen just before 2 a.m. March 27 on suspicion of speeding, according to a police report.
RELATED: Police: Rep. Elliott Engen was ‘so...
Key takeaway A White Bear Lake police officer stopped Engen just before 2 a.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The not guilty plea from State Rep. Elliott Engen comes as the Minneapolis community continues to grapple with the implications of his DWI arrest. With a blood alcohol concentration of 0.142 at the time of his arrest, Engen's case raises concerns about the potential risks of impaired driving on local roads. As a state representative, Engen's actions may also reflect on the broader community's trust in its elected officials. The fact that Engen and fellow Rep. Walter Hudson were seen drinking and then present on the House floor has sparked questions about their fitness for duty. As the case moves forward, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for August 28, Minneapolis residents will be watching to see how the legal system holds Engen accountable for his actions. The outcome of this case may also inform discussions about drunk driving prevention and enforcement in the Twin Cities area.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Republican State Rep. Elliott Engen pleaded not guilty on Friday to all charges stemming from a DWI arrest in March.
A White Bear Lake police officer stopped Engen just before 2 a.m. March 27 on suspicion of speeding, according to a police report.
RELATED: Police: Rep. Elliott Engen was ‘so...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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