22-year-old sentenced for Moose Lake pedestrian crash

The 22-year-old who hit and killed a Moose Lake pedestrian in March has been sentenced. Brent Keranen will serve 1 year in Carlton County Jail and 10 years of probation. If he violates probation, he will have to serve 4 years in prison.

Court Documents say Keranen was driving on Highway 73 when he veered out of the lane into the shoulder and hit a pedestrian. Justin McNeil (61) was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers found alcohol and THC in Keranen’s system.

Keranen reportedly told law enforcement he was playing air guitar at the time of the crash. He also said that his cruise was set to 52 mph in a 40 mph zone. Air bags went off but he said he wasn’t sure if he had hit someone.

Court documents explain that Keranen has been working in the metro area and was returning home to Northern Minnesota. Earlier in the journey back home, he had fallen asleep behind the wheel and hit the side of a trooper’s car. He told officers he was up late in the evening before working and drinking with friends. Carlton investigators learned the defendant had a .06 in his preliminary breath test in this separate incident.

Keranen pleaded guilty to Criminal Vehicular Homicide on October 2.