Polk County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Crookston man is facing a gross misdemeanor charge after allegedly passing a school bus with its stop arm extended and a child outside on the road.
According to a criminal complaint, Michael Dean Huffman, 41, was driving a black Dodge Ram when he approached a stopped Crookston school bus on East 3rd Street. The stop arm was extended, and children were visibly exiting the vehicle.
Video footage from the bus confirmed:
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The stop arm was extended at 2:40:18 p.m.
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Huffman’s vehicle passed from the front at 2:40:31 p.m.
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A child was on the roadway at the time.
When questioned, Huffman admitted he was in Crookston that day and driving his Dodge Ram, but initially denied seeing a school bus. He later claimed the stop arm “must have extended just as he passed.”
Huffman has been charged under MN Statute 169.444.2(b)(2) – Failing to stop for a school bus while a child is outside, a gross misdemeanor carrying up to 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.