Nerf Game Preceded Fatal Crash, But Distraction Unknown

LAKEVILLE, Minn. (AP) - Sheriff's officials say they don't yet know whether a game with Nerf guns distracted the driver involved in a crash in Lakeville that killed two teenagers and injured two others.

At a news conference Friday, Dakota County sheriff's authorities say witnesses told investigators the four teens were involved in a "Nerf War" game at school, then got into the pickup truck together after school Dec. 4.

But, Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie says until they can talk to the driver, they can't say whether the game was a distraction. The 17-year-old driver remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Authorities say only one of the four teens was wearing a seat belt. Seventeen-year-old Jake Flynn and 18-year-old Johnny Price were killed when they were thrown from the pickup. Leslie says the fourth teen is back in school.