Byron Man With History of Driving Offenses Charged for Motorcycle Crash That Injured Woman

Byron, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeastern Minnesota man has been charged for an injury crash involving a motorcycle near Byron. 

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A woman was riding with him at the time of the crash.

The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Tuesday, says the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office responded to the motorcycle accident on Saturday. 

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The motorcycle crash occurred in the area of Valleyhigh Rd NW and County Rd 3 NW, which is northeast of Byron. 

Responding deputies identified the motorcycle driver as 34-year-old Johny Vernon Kanestadt. 

The Byron man told deputies he lost control of the motorcycle as he was navigating the turn, the complaint says. 

Passenger Injured

The passenger had suffered cuts and abrasions. She also said she hit her head and did not remember anything, the charges state. 

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The woman was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for further care. Her name is not listed in the court document. 

Deputy Suspects Impairment

While speaking with Kanestadt the deputy detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. The complaint says Kanestadt admitted to smoking marijuana an hour before the crash but denied drinking. 

He agreed to going through field sobriety testing and showed three indications of intoxication during the test, the court document alleges.

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A breath test measured his blood alcohol concentration at 0.06. 

Kanestadt was arrested and taken to the Olmsted County Jail where a sample of blood was taken for testing. 

History of Driving Offenses

Court records indicate Kanestadt was convicted of DWI in Goodhue County last August and was convicted of driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety in Olmsted County in April. 

Kanestadt has had a suspended license since last July and is required to have ignition interlock on any vehicle he drives, the complaint says.

He also did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his license. 

Charges Filed

Kanestadt is facing gross misdemeanor counts of criminal vehicular operation, ignition interlock violation and alcohol/controlled substance driving violations. 

He’s also charged with misdemeanor driving after suspension, registration violation and driving a motorcycle without an endorsement. 

Kanestadt was released without bail following his first court appearance and is due back in court next month.