Preston Foster Bryant is accused of driving past a school bus on its right-hand, passenger-door side.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint, the bus had its stop arm extended and warning lights activated.<\/p>\n
The incident reportedly occurred May 5, 2026, at an intersection in Beltrami County.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the alleged violation was captured by cameras installed on the school bus.<\/p>\n
School Bus Camera Captures Alleged Violation<\/h2>\n
The incident occurred around 4:25 p.m. near Carver Road Northeast and Lorelei Lane Northeast.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, a school bus was stopping near mailboxes at the intersection.<\/p>\n
The bus driver, David Sauer, was operating Bus 78 when the incident occurred.<\/p>\n
The school bus was equipped with cameras that recorded the surrounding roadway.<\/p>\n
Investigators later reviewed footage provided by the bus garage.<\/p>\n
The video reportedly showed the school bus stopped with its stop arm extended and red warning lights activated.<\/p>\n
As a student gathered belongings, a blue Subaru Outback approached the bus.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the Subaru passed the bus on its right-hand, passenger-door side.<\/p>\n
The vehicle displayed magnetic signs reading “US Mail.”<\/p>\n
Investigation Leads to Mail Route Driver<\/h2>\n
The alleged violation was reported to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office on May 14, 2026.<\/p>\n
A deputy reviewed the school bus footage and began investigating the vehicle involved.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, the Subaru’s license plate was obstructed in the video.<\/p>\n
However, the vehicle’s postal service markings helped investigators identify a possible driver.<\/p>\n
The deputy contacted the United States Postal Service to determine who operated the route.<\/p>\n
USPS identified Preston Foster Bryant as the driver associated with that route, according to court records.<\/p>\n
Investigators contacted Bryant by telephone, and he agreed to meet during his lunch break.<\/p>\n
Driver Claims He Did Not See Bus Warning Lights<\/h2>\n
During the meeting, the deputy observed a Subaru Outback resembling the vehicle shown in the school bus video.<\/p>\n
The vehicle also displayed a magnetic “US Mail” sign.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Bryant mentioned the incident and its location before investigators asked questions.<\/p>\n
Bryant reportedly said he did not notice flashing lights or an extended stop arm.<\/p>\n
He also told investigators he had not seen any children exiting the bus.<\/p>\n
Because of those observations, Bryant said he believed it was safe to pass.<\/p>\n
However, Bryant allegedly acknowledged seeing a child exiting the bus in his rearview mirror after passing.<\/p>\n
He also reportedly told investigators he had recently obtained the Subaru and had not installed cameras.<\/p>\n
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors charged Bryant with passing a stopped school bus on its passenger-door side.<\/p>\n
The allegation falls under Minnesota Statute 169.444, subdivision 2(b)(1).<\/p>\n
The charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.<\/p>\n
A conviction could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
Those penalties represent statutory maximums, not a sentence imposed against Bryant.<\/p>\n
Minnesota law requires drivers to stop for school buses displaying activated stop signals under applicable roadway conditions.<\/p>\n
Passing a stopped school bus on its passenger-door side creates particular risks for students entering or leaving the bus.<\/p>\n
Readers can review Minnesota’s school bus safety law<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court within Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n The court file number is 04-CR-26-2281.<\/p>\n The prosecutor’s file number is 0040092350.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not identify any injuries resulting from the alleged incident.<\/p>\n It also does not provide a trial date or final court outcome.<\/p>\n Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n School bus safety information is also available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charge remains an allegation. Bryant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nBeltrami County Court Case<\/h2>\n
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