Driver, 83, Charged In Minneapolis Bus Shelter Crash That Injured 5
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A man is now facing charges for running over five people at a Minneapolis bus shelter almost two months ago, but Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says the driver will not be serving prison time if convicted.
The announcement led to some heated exchanges Friday at the government center.
George Reeves Jensen, of Champlin, faces five counts of criminal vehicular operation.
After hitting a Metro Transit bus on July 9, police say Jensen then slammed into a bus shelter at the intersection of Broadway and Lyndale avenues, injuring five people, including two critically.
"This is a strange case and this is a place where Minnesota statutes seem lacking," Freeman said during a press conference.
Freeman said Jensen was in his van talking with women at a bus stop, then drove through a parking lot and sideswiped a bus twice before driving into the bus shelter.
"The two wheels on the passenger side went up on the curb. He accelerated slightly and smashed into the bus shelter, injuring five people," Freeman said.
Freeman said state law only allows him to charge the man with five counts of criminal vehicular operation.
"Under the sentencing guideline commission, if you have a clean record, even if you have great bodily harm, you will not go to prison unless you have more criminal history, so this man will not go to prison when he's found guilty for this," Freeman said.
Activist Spike Moss confronted Freeman during the press conference.
"No excuses. We are still waiting on justice. What would have happened to us if we would have done it?" Moss said.
For more than a month, he and other activists have said the suspect has been given a pass because of his race.
"This is just disrespect, blatant disrespect for African-American human beings, that's what this is. No compassion, no concern," Moss said.
Freeman says race was not a factor in his decision. The two agreed to meet to discuss a case that's clearly not settled.
Freeman said it's clear Jensen won't be serving any time, but he says they will insist his driver's license be taken away if he is found guilty.
Authorities say one victim suffered multiple pelvic fractures and significant blood loss as well as fractures of the ribs and vertebra. Another victim suffered rib fractures, a lacerated spleen, fractures of both legs, a lung contusion and scalp laceration. A third victim suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractured ribs. Another victim suffered a fractured spine, and the final victim suffered multiple rib fractures.
Jensen's first court appearance is set for Sept. 23.
