What’s the intriguing tale behind Minnesota’s ‘UFO car’?
Submission Statement
In 1979, a peculiar incident near Warren left a deputy’s squad car mysteriously damaged.
Visitors believe the cracked windshield and bent antennas of the amber Ford LTD squad car—now permanently displayed at a museum in Warren, Minnesota—are signs of an extraterrestrial encounter. This so-called “UFO car” attracts tourists from across the nation, with some traveling over 1,000 miles to see it at the Marshall County Historical Society museum in this small town near the North Dakota border.
“People come from all over, and many express that the UFO car is the only thing they want to see. They take a look at the car and then continue on their way,” remarked Kent Broten, president of the historical society.
Although the more than 40-year-old event that damaged the car of Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson wasn’t mentioned in Elizondo’s book, Newsweek recognized it as one of the most credible UFO sightings in modern history back in 2019.
The story of Minnesota’s “UFO car” is indeed fascinating and has captured the imagination of many. On the night of August 27, 1979, Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson was on patrol near Warren when he reportedly encountered a bright light in the sky. After investigating, he experienced a sudden loss of time, and upon returning to his vehicle, he found his squad car severely damaged. The windshield was cracked, the antennas were bent, and the entire incident left him bewildered.
The physical evidence was compelling enough that the case garnered attention not just locally but nationally. Over the years, it has been analyzed and debated, with many UFO enthusiasts believing it to be one of the most credible encounters due to the damage to the vehicle and the lack of a reasonable explanation. The fact that it is housed in a museum makes it a unique artifact of UFO history, attracting visitors who want to see the evidence for themselves.
Moreover, the story reflects the broader cultural fascination with UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, a topic that has seen a resurgence in interest in recent years. The “UFO car” serves as a tangible link to that intrigue, making it an enduring piece of local lore and a significant draw for tourists. Whether one believes in UFOs or not, the story highlights the mystery and wonder surrounding unexplained phenomena.