Driver Rear-Ends Sheriff in Grand Marais School Zone

The driver says they were distracted and looking at something in the sky.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – A motorist in Grand Marais has been charged with Speeding in a School Zone and Careless Driving after rear ending a sheriff’s squad car this morning.

Sheriff Pat Eliasen was stopped at a crosswalk to allow children and the crossing guard to cross the road when a distracted driver driving 33 mph in the 20-mph school zone rear ended him.

“This is a firm reminder to pay attention and obey the traffic laws, especially in school zones,” said Sheriff Eliasen.

“Had I not been stopped there, this could have had a very different outcome with children and the crossing guard getting seriously injured or worse.”

The driver was reportedly looking at something in the sky.