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Driver hit and killed pedestrian because he was 'playing air guitar' at the wheel

Motorist Brent James Keranen, 21, faces a potential 10 years behind bars after killing a pedestrian, Justin McNeil, 61, because he was "playing air guitar" while driving

[Brent James Keranen, 21, killed a pedestrian because he was 'playing air guitar' while driving]

Brent James Keranen, 21, killed a pedestrian because he was 'playing air guitar' while driving(Image: Carlton County Sheriffs Office)

A motorist hit a killed a pedestrian because he was "playing air guitar" behind the wheel.

The 21-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police that he did not see the victim because he was "jamming out" while driving. Brent James Keranen could now face up to 10 years behind bars for his actions, which led to the death of 61-year-old Justin McNeil.

Officers from the Moose Lake Police Department, deputies from the Carlton County Sheriffs Office, and troopers from the Minnesota State Patrol promptly responded to reports of a driver striking and causing the death of an adult male on Minnesota Highway 73, according to a probable cause affidavit.

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Upon arrival first responders found out that McNeil had just left a nearby Dollar General store and was walking on the northbound side of the highway with his belongings.

[McNeil]

First responders found out that McNeil had not long left a store before he was struck by the vehicle (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Authorities discovered that Keranen was traveling in a northerly direction before swerving onto the shoulder and colliding with McNeil, resulting in his death at the scene.

Keranen was taken into custody last Thursday and charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner, court records reviewed by Law&Crime show.

The tragedy wasn't the first time Keranen had encountered cops that evening, having already falling asleep at the wheel of his car and struck or contacted a state troopers car.

He was given a citation and let go, after telling police he had already been tested, and was below the limit.

[Keranen]

Keranen had already had a run in with the law earlier that night (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Keranen had also admitted to being tired from working long hours and being up "very late" boozing with friends the night before.

Authorities said that the tracks on the highway showed that Keranens vehicle went off the road and onto the shoulder, which is where he struck McNeil.

The defendant explained to law enforcement that he was listening to the radio when a good song began playing, prompting the defendant to play air guitar to the song, when suddenly, his vehicles air bags deployed, police wrote in the affidavit.

The defendant also made later statements he was looking down and jamming out a bit and next thing you know I hit somebody.'

[he had his cruise control set to 52mph despite the speed limit in the area being 40mph]

Keranen told officers he had his cruise control set to 52mph despite the speed limit in the area being 40mph (stock)(Image: Getty Images)

Keranen also allegedly told police that at the time of the collision, he had his cruise control set to 52mph despite the speed limit in the area being 40mph.

Investigators also noted that Keranen appeared to be showing signs of impairment at the scene.

He performed a field sobriety test which resulted in several clues of impairment, the affidavit states.

A preliminary breath test performed at the site of the crash determined that Keranens blood alcohol concentration was below the legal limit, while a blood sample was sent to a lab for further testing.

Keranen is currently scheduled to appear in court on April 1.

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