BEMIDJI, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Bemidji woman faces a gross misdemeanor charge following an alleged school bus stop-arm violation involving a child.
Kiara Elyse Wittwer, 25, of Bemidji, is accused of failing to stop for a school bus while a student was outside the bus.
The incident reportedly occurred April 27, 2026, near Bemidji Road and Sumac Road in Beltrami County.
According to a criminal complaint, surveillance footage captured a Honda Civic passing a stopped school bus as a child exited.
School Bus Camera Captures Alleged Violation
At approximately 3:55 p.m., Bemidji school bus number 73 was traveling northbound on Bemidji Road.
The bus stopped to allow a student to exit.
According to investigators, its red stop sign and stop arm were extended.
As the student stepped off the bus and reached the ground, a southbound Honda Civic approached.
Investigators reported that the Honda continued past the stopped bus without stopping.
The vehicle did not appear to slow down, according to the complaint.
Bus Driver Warns Student to Wait
Video footage reportedly showed the school bus driver attempting to warn the student about the approaching vehicle.
The driver tried to tell the child to wait because the Honda was not stopping.
Investigators said the vehicle continued southbound while the bus remained stopped.
The criminal complaint does not report that the child was struck or injured.
Deputy Reviews Surveillance Footage
On May 7, approximately ten days after the incident, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office received information about the violation.
The Bemidji Bus Garage provided video footage from school bus number 73.
Investigators reviewed the footage and identified the Honda Civic’s Minnesota license plate.
A registration search showed the vehicle belonged to Kiara Elyse Wittwer.
However, the investigating deputy could not determine the driver’s identity or gender from the video.
Vehicle Located at Registered Owner’s Home
Following the registration check, investigators visited Wittwer’s residence.
According to the complaint, a deputy observed a Honda Civic displaying the same registration.
The deputy contacted Wittwer and questioned her about the reported incident.
Wittwer reportedly said she did not remember passing a school bus.
She acknowledged regularly traveling on Bemidji Road when going to work.
She also told investigators she did not know of anyone else who may have used her vehicle.
The complaint does not state that Wittwer admitted committing the violation.
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Wittwer under Minnesota Statute 169.444, subdivision 2(b)(2).
The law addresses drivers who unlawfully pass stopped school buses while children are outside on the roadway or adjacent sidewalk.
The offense carries a maximum possible sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.
The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2486.
The criminal complaint was issued with a summons.
School Bus Safety Remains a Concern
Minnesota law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet from school buses displaying flashing red lights.
Drivers must remain stopped until the bus’s red lights are no longer flashing.
The rules are intended to protect children getting on and off school buses.
Additional information is available through Minnesota Statute 169.444.
Public case information can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The current outcome of Wittwer’s criminal case has not been independently confirmed.
Wittwer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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