CRIMINAL VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES FILED IN EDEN PRAIRIE CRASH

“Wrong-Way Driver Amanda Merriman Charged After Saturday Night Fatality on Highway 212”

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN — Authorities have identified and charged 50-year-old Amanda Lyn Merriman, of Victoria, in connection with a head-on collision that killed a motorist on Saturday night. Merriman faces one count of Criminal Vehicular Homicide (Operate Vehicle with Alcohol Concentration .08 or More).

The Incident: Saturday, April 11, 2026

The crash was reported to the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) at approximately 7:50 PM near the intersection of Highway 212 and Valley View Road.

• The Wrong-Way Entry: According to court documents, Merriman was operating a Chevy Colorado pickup truck and was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 212.

• The Impact: Merriman’s truck struck a Volkswagen Passat head-on. The driver of the Volkswagen, identified as 69-year-old Bohdan Antoniuk, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

• The Admission: Following the crash, Merriman allegedly admitted to investigators that she had consumed two vodka cranberry drinks prior to driving. She reportedly stated that she realized a collision was imminent approximately 30 to 45 seconds before the impact.

Legal and Criminal Background

The investigation has revealed a pattern of previous driving offenses that have intensified the public outcry surrounding the case.

• Revoked License: At the time of the crash, Merriman was operating the vehicle with a revoked driver’s license. Her license had been revoked following a DWI conviction in September 2024.

• Probation Status: Merriman was actively on probation for a separate DWI and drug possession charge when the Saturday night collision occurred.

• Search Evidence: During a search of Merriman’s vehicle, officers located a glass pipe and a baggie containing a substance suspected to be marijuana.

Status of the Case

Amanda Merriman was injured in the crash but is expected to survive. She was arrested and formally charged on Monday, April 13, 2026.

• Medical Evidence: A blood draw was performed at the hospital to determine her exact blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the crash; results are pending.

• Court Appearance: Merriman is expected to make her initial court appearance this week. Prosecutors are likely to request a significant bail amount given her history of repeat offenses and the fatal nature of the latest incident.

• Victim Notification: The family of Bohdan Antoniuk has been notified. The Hopkins community has expressed deep shock at the loss of the 69-year-old resident.

Road Safety Concerns

The Minnesota State Patrol highlighted that road conditions were dry and both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the impact. The tragedy has reignited debates in the Twin Cities metro area regarding the effectiveness of ignition interlock programs and the enforcement of license revocations for repeat DWI offenders.

“This case is a tragic example of the consequences of impaired driving. It highlights the urgent need to address repeat offenders who continue to ignore the law and put innocent lives at risk.” — Summary of Prosecution Statement

Contact for Witnesses

The Minnesota State Patrol is continuing to interview individuals who may have seen the Chevy Colorado prior to the crash.

• Contact: Minnesota State Patrol – West Metro District

• Phone: (651) 582-1503

Current Status: Active Prosecution. Amanda Merriman is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a traffic tragedy, grief support resources are available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.