Clearbrook Man Accused of Passing Stopped School Bus

BELTRAMI COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A 34-year-old Clearbrook man faces a gross misdemeanor charge after allegedly passing a stopped school bus while delivering mail.

Preston Foster Bryant is accused of driving past a school bus on its right-hand, passenger-door side.

According to a criminal complaint, the bus had its stop arm extended and warning lights activated.

The incident reportedly occurred May 5, 2026, at an intersection in Beltrami County.

Investigators say the alleged violation was captured by cameras installed on the school bus.

School Bus Camera Captures Alleged Violation

The incident occurred around 4:25 p.m. near Carver Road Northeast and Lorelei Lane Northeast.

According to court documents, a school bus was stopping near mailboxes at the intersection.

The bus driver, David Sauer, was operating Bus 78 when the incident occurred.

The school bus was equipped with cameras that recorded the surrounding roadway.

Investigators later reviewed footage provided by the bus garage.

The video reportedly showed the school bus stopped with its stop arm extended and red warning lights activated.

As a student gathered belongings, a blue Subaru Outback approached the bus.

According to the complaint, the Subaru passed the bus on its right-hand, passenger-door side.

The vehicle displayed magnetic signs reading “US Mail.”

Investigation Leads to Mail Route Driver

The alleged violation was reported to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office on May 14, 2026.

A deputy reviewed the school bus footage and began investigating the vehicle involved.

According to the complaint, the Subaru’s license plate was obstructed in the video.

However, the vehicle’s postal service markings helped investigators identify a possible driver.

The deputy contacted the United States Postal Service to determine who operated the route.

USPS identified Preston Foster Bryant as the driver associated with that route, according to court records.

Investigators contacted Bryant by telephone, and he agreed to meet during his lunch break.

Driver Claims He Did Not See Bus Warning Lights

During the meeting, the deputy observed a Subaru Outback resembling the vehicle shown in the school bus video.

The vehicle also displayed a magnetic “US Mail” sign.

According to the complaint, Bryant mentioned the incident and its location before investigators asked questions.

Bryant reportedly said he did not notice flashing lights or an extended stop arm.

He also told investigators he had not seen any children exiting the bus.

Because of those observations, Bryant said he believed it was safe to pass.

However, Bryant allegedly acknowledged seeing a child exiting the bus in his rearview mirror after passing.

He also reportedly told investigators he had recently obtained the Subaru and had not installed cameras.

Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Bryant with passing a stopped school bus on its passenger-door side.

The allegation falls under Minnesota Statute 169.444, subdivision 2(b)(1).

The charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

A conviction could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not a sentence imposed against Bryant.

Minnesota law requires drivers to stop for school buses displaying activated stop signals under applicable roadway conditions.

Passing a stopped school bus on its passenger-door side creates particular risks for students entering or leaving the bus.

Readers can review Minnesota’s school bus safety law.

Beltrami County Court Case

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The court file number is 04-CR-26-2281.

The prosecutor’s file number is 0040092350.

The supplied complaint does not identify any injuries resulting from the alleged incident.

It also does not provide a trial date or final court outcome.

Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

School bus safety information is also available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

The charge remains an allegation. Bryant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.