Man jailed for one year after fatal pedestrian crash in Moose Lake

In Moose Lake, Minnesota, a serious incident occurred on March 21, when Brent Keranen, a 22-year-old man, struck Justin McNeil, a 61-year-old pedestrian, with his vehicle. The collision happened shortly after 2 p.m. on Highway 73 near Jon Brown Drive. Keranen, who was reportedly under the influence of cannabis and fatigued from long work hours, was distracted while driving as he admitted to 'jamming out' to music when he hit McNeil. Following the crash, McNeil succumbed to his injuries, which led to charges of criminal vehicular homicide against Keranen. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted field sobriety tests, revealing that Keranen's blood alcohol concentration was .06, below the legal limit of .08. However, he was previously cited for an incident earlier in the day when he fell asleep while driving and struck a state trooper's squad car. Despite the serious nature of the crime, the judge's sentence was considered a downward departure, resulting in a more lenient term than recommended guidelines, which allow for up to 10 years in prison. In addition to his jail time, Keranen will be placed on supervised probation for 10 years upon release. If he violates the terms of his probation, he faces the potential of serving up to 10 years in prison. The case highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the consequences that can arise from a lack of attention while operating a vehicle. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving, particularly when under the influence of substances. The tragic outcome of this incident not only affected the family and friends of Justin McNeil but also brought about significant legal repercussions for Brent Keranen. The entire situation could have been avoided with more responsible driving habits and awareness. Authorities continue to stress the importance of focused driving, especially in situations where intoxication or distraction is involved.