Virginia Irene Angus, 46, Minot, is accused of driving drunk with her grandchildren, ages 5 and 7, in the car on Sept. 15.

Angus is charged in district court in Minot with Class A misdemeanor DUI with minors.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, the children’s aunt called police and said her sister and mother had been drinking and arguing and that her sister was preparing to leave with the children. When police arrived, the children’s mother told police that Angus had already left with the children.

Angus returned while officers were there and parked a couple of blocks away. The responding officer saw the children get out of the vehicle along with Angus. The officer shortly thereafter spoke with Angus and noted that her breath smelled of alcohol.

Angus told the officer that she had gotten into an argument with the children’s mother earlier and her daughter was upset. Angus told the officer she took the kids and put them in her car and gave the babysitter a ride home and then returned to the house. Angus admitted to having a few drinks before but said she didn’t believe she was impaired. Angus agreed to a preliminary breath test, which showed her breath alcohol content at 0.097 percent BAC.

Angus has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 3 before Judge Stacy Louser.