NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
FIRST ON FOX: Shannon Brandt, who is accused of fatally hitting 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson with an SUV, is not under house arrest and has no curfew after posting a $50,000 bond, court documents obtained by Fox News Digital show.
Brandt, 41, was released from jail after posting a $50,000 bond on September 20 after police say that he fatally hit Ellington with an SUV during the early morning hours of September 18 following a street dance at a local bar in McHenry, North Dakota.
The incident happened around 2:35 a.m. on Sunday, court documents show, stating that Brandt originally fled the scene but later called 911 and told the operator that he hit Ellingson because he believed that the teenager was part of a “Republican extremist group,” adding that he had a “political argument” with Ellingson. Brandt also alleged that Ellingson was calling other people to come “get him.”
Ellingson was left with serious injuries and taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
CAYLER ELLINGSON: FUNERAL SET FOR 18-YEAR-OLD ALLEGEDLY MOWED DOWN BY SHANNON BRANDT
A North Dakota man who ran down ‘Republican’ teen says he does not want his own life, job jeopardized.
(Foster County Sheriff, Facebook)
North Dakota Highway Patrol Captain Bryan Niewind said that there is “no evidence” suggesting that Ellingson was part of a “Republican extremist group” or that the incident involved politics.
Court documents obtained by Fox News Digital show that Brandt was not placed under house arrest and has no curfew after posting bond. Under the terms of Brant’s bail order, he cannot leave North Dakota, cannot drink alcohol and must participate in a 24/7 sobriety program with constant testing.
Brandt is also not allowed to possess “a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon,” and cannot go within 300 feet of the Ellingson family.
In another filing, a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper said that Brandt “admitted to striking someone he never met with his vehicle,” and then left the area.
When at Brandt’s residence after the incident, police found “disturbances of the dirt on the hood and front end of the 2003 Ford Explorer” as well as more damage to the car.
Brandt is charged with criminal vehicular homicide, as well as leaving the scene of a crash involving a death after the incident.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahman told Fox News Digital that the bond handed down to Brandt is a “low amount” and “woefully inadequate.”
At least 100 people could be seen going into the funeral home located in Carrington on Sunday night. Friends of the Ellingson family said that Cayler Ellingson was an “exceptional child” with a bright future ahead of him.
(Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)
“Yeah, it’s a low amount, no question. Whenever you’re dealing with a vehicular manslaughter case, that’s low in general,” Rahman said.
A funeral for Ellingson is being held on Monday at 1 p.m. in Carrington, North Dakota.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Photo shows mugshot for Shannon Brandt, the man who admitted to hitting an 18-year-old with his car after the pair had a “political dispute.” Outset image shows partially redacted court records
(Stutsman County Corrections/Court records)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brant’s attorney, Mark Friese, said that he wants to give the family time to grieve before issuing a statement.
“It would be inappropriate for me to comment before a family and community have been given time to grieve. It is also premature for me to do so without first closely reviewing the evidence and case background,” Friese said.
