HARWOOD, N.D. - Cass County authorities say a Fargo man was cited after he drove around a road-closed barrier this morning and a strong current swept his car off a flooded road.
Keith Wendt, 37, went around the barrier on Highway 81 a mile south of Harwood while on his way to work in Grandin, according to a news release from the county.
The current over the road was so strong it swept his car off the roadway. The shoulder of the road had a 6- to 8-inch drop-off due to a washout at the location, and a tow truck was called to remove the vehicle, the release stated.
Wendt received a $20 citation for knowingly entering a road closed due to hazardous conditions. State lawmakers recently passed legislation to increase the fine for such an offense to $250 as of Aug. 1.
Sheriff's deputies drove Wendt to Grandin, the release stated.
